Pedro Amador is officially back, we know that much. The question still lingers, though… is Atlanta United officially back?
Last weekend’s match, Atlanta’s first away match of the season, took a turn away from the good vibes the opener against CF Montreal brought. A 2-0 defeat in Charlotte was not the result most fans had hoped for after the offensive output in the previous week’s 3-2 victory.
The Five Stripes return home this evening to add a third data point to the season’s trajectory and potentially solidify trends, for better or worse. Well played first halves have given way to less than stellar second halves in both matches this season, while Latte Lath and the rest of Atlanta’s attack has shown creativity and goalscoring instinct in the first match but were held scoreless in Charlotte. Tonight, they’ll have another familiarly tough opponent to deal with: the New York Red Bulls.
Thankfully for Atlanta United, they’ll have Pedro Amador back to add to the fullback numbers, whether he’s ready to start or not. The lack of fullback depth cost Atlanta in their matchup with Charlotte FC, where defensive miscues led to two self-inflicted goals. Brooks Lennon, Ronald Hernandez, and now forward Jamal Thiare (quad, week to week) are all listed as out, though. New York is also dealing with injuries to Lewis Morgan and Cam Harper, both absent from tonight’s meeting.
The Red Bulls are dominant in the all time series, holding a 10-3-5 record over the Five Stripes. However, Atlanta holds the last laugh, defeating NYRB by a 2-1 score in the Benz during last year’s home finale to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for a 7:40 PM ET start, with streaming coming from Apple TV with a subscription to MLS Season Pass. Radio coverage is provided in English on Star 94.1 and in Spanish on La Mejor.
Before we get going, make sure to check out our match preview, then head on down to our match thread in the comments below to discuss all the action from the Benz.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
New York Red Bulls’ Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, March 8th; 7:40 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV (with MLS Season Pass Subscription)
Available Radio: Star 94.1, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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Happy with the draw (I guess). Some really good moments the first half, but we were flat out owned second half. A LOT to work on; we are a mid table team currently.
Poop … looking at scores across the league goals are hard to come by tonight
Pineda OUT
Full-time thoughts:
I thought defense was much improved.
First half v second half stuff needs to get worked out ASAP.
Not sure SLAM is working.
Reffing was insanely inconsistent.
I hate RBNY.
i think SLAM needs a little more than 3 matches to actually gel together
I’ll be happy with a draw at this point, shocked if we pull off a win, and not at all surprised with a loss. The collapse of intensity and movement on our part has become a real pattern and problem; and NYRB has turned it up second half. Statically, this doesn’t end well for us. Please, prove me wrong with something AU!
This second half shit has got to die.
Fitness….we getting tired.
This is hard to watch… it’s like we’re a bi-polar team.
really wish there was some consistency with the foul calls…
Playing with fire …. We need a goal
Just get one in….
This is the third time in a row I have seen us dominate a first half… praying that we don’t get the traditional second half
It’s starting to look that way (10 mins in)… hope we turn up the movement off the ball.
Best half I’ve seen us have in a while. Just need one to drop…
Tori Penso’s usually a good ref, but she’s not having a good game.
Matt Edwards OTHO…
I was surprised when Slisz did not pick up a yellow for basically climbing the red bull player’s back
Should be 1-0 up. Could be 1-0 up. Would be 1-0 if not for NYRB Red bulls octopus man.
Seems we can’t buy a goal this half, even with some brilliant combos on attack. We can win this one, BUT we have to score first AND not get a red card. Either one drops the other way, and we’ll be lucky to end with a tie. Keep the tight intensity 2nd half ATL!!
This ref is bouta make me crash out.
This feels like one team will be playing with ten guys before the end of the game
Agreed
Through 25, the team looks to have a lot more flow together. Amador coming back and doing Amador things immediately. Edwards doing Amador things as well.
VAMOS ATL!
Putting offensive pressure on them – need to get one in the net
Edwards getting in on the offensive side of things
Great football
Crap yellow.
I hate Red Bulls … that is all
I hate the Philly Bimbos too.
And DC, Seattle, Charlotte, Miami and, of course Orlando.
VAMOS!
LETS GOOOOO!!!!
Interested to see Muyumba in there with the start
I will always hold a grudge against RBNJ for causing me to now have a negative association with Bulls on Parade after attending an away match there.