Atlanta United rides a three match unbeaten run into a full capacity rivalry match against Charlotte in the Benz tonight.
And yet, those words don’t feel nearly as exciting to type as they should.
The Five Stripes’ return home after seven long and winless weeks on the road began disastrously with a blunderous looking Olimpico scored by the visiting Fire in only the second minute of the match. It didn’t look much better until Alexey Miranchuk’s bottom corner strike ten minutes into the second half seemingly out of nowhere. In true Atlanta fashion, though, the lead was given back as the half wore on, only for Homegrown midfielder Will Reilly to score his first MLS goal in the fourth minute of stoppage to rescue a point and give Atlanta a third straight draw.
While better than a loss, the draw still didn’t do Atlanta United any favors. The side still sits 13th in the East, and desparately needs to make up ground in the standings to keep their slim mathematical playoff odds alive. If Atlanta wants to reach that ninth place Wild Card spot, they’ll have to start by beating the team that holds it- Charlotte FC.
Charlotte has won their last two, most recently on Wednesday against a slumping DC United side. Patrick Agyemang, the team’s breakout striker, is now across the pond with Derby County. They still pose an attacking threat through key players like Pep Biel and Wilfried Zaha, who each scored in Atlanta’s previous visit to the Mint City.
In Atlanta’s favor, they’ll have one less player on the injury report this time around. Derrick Williams returns to the team and provides some much needed depth at center back. Stian Gregersen is still listed as out, but is slowly becoming more involved in training as he works back to full fitness.
Will the Five Stripes have their revenge as they welcome Charlotte for the reverse fixture over fourth months later? Or will Charlotte leave the Benz victorious as they did last summer, keeping Atlanta fans in the throes of despair? For more preview and a better look at tonight’s rivals, check out our Three Questions article with the good folks over at TopBin90.com.
We’ll see where the rivalry takes us tonight, with kickoff set for 7:40 PM ET. Streaming can be found on Apple TV with a subscription to MLS Season Pass. Radio coverage is provided in English on 92.9 The Game and in Spanish on La Mejor.
Also, don’t forget to come pregame with the Scarves and Spikes crew at 5:30 across the Backyard over at the Nest on Four in Signia! The live show will lead up to starting lineup announcements and get you over with plenty of time to catch the match. See y’all there!
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Charlotte FC’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, July 19th, 7:40 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV (with MLS Season Pass Subscription)
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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The starting lineup tonight is what I’d run the rest of the year. We at least looked threatening in the first half.
Charlotte wanted it, Atlanta didn’t.
There are some players who show they want it, but it’s not enough of them and not all at the same time.
There were some stretches of really nice play in the first half. Then the changes. We have so little depth.
Well also, what the heck was Deila thinking with the backline changes? I can *kinda* understand Edwards becoming part of the CB pairing, only because he’s been playing CB a lot, but the difference was that it has been part of a back 3, which is so different than a back 2. Then doubling down with moving Hernandez in? With Williams your only true CB?
Playoffs are out the door for sure now. Lost season smh this team sucks
You know, at this point, I’ll take the few positives and move on to the next match. Great game from Sliz and Muyumba. That is our best midield pair hands down. Luke Brennan is our most effective winger at the moment and should start every match from this point on. If he doesn’t, someone get me a meeting with RD so I can talk to the man. Brooks Lennon should never ever play on the field for this club again. Pay another club to take him if you must. Just please get rid of him.
I think Fortune was more effective and consistent, but I get your point.
100% on Brennan and Lennon.
Brennan was much better than Saba. Saba just has not had it this year.
Well that was just atrocious from everyone. no CDM watching top of the box, poor coverage from the backline, poor positioning by Guzan.
Nobody on PB. Jesus H. Christ.
What happened to Morales?
So we were looking pretty good, and then drastically change the back line. Hope there’s a good explanation.
UTD slow out of the locker room. Feel like that’s happened a lot under Deila
How bout that midfield rn? Sliz, Muyumba, and Miranchuk are all balling out!
Did not have Slisz to Muyumba on my bingo card.
Tap tap…. we did something good
Can someone ask Deila what Cobb has got to do see the pitch? He can’t even see the pitch during an 8 day stretch with 3 matches?
Alright, I just watched the German women advance to the Euro semis… now I am on my way to the stadium – I want good football tonight.
you might be asking for too much
curious if Williams will start the match today and get pulled at the 60th min mark or Abram starts and Williams comes on around the 60th min mark. also if we will go back to a 3 CB set up with Williams returning or stick with the 2 CB/ 4 back line set.
I’d imagine Deila would be a bit more cautious with throwing him back in there, it’s not like Abram hasn’t performed okay. That being said, fixture congestion and all could see maybe even a Noah Cobb and Williams pairing at some point.
well…I guess Deila disagrees. Williams and Morales at CB and Hernandez and Edwards at FB. I am really curious what Cobb has done in practice that he can’t even get into the match during fixture congestion
Charlotte will win and have more fans at the game is my prediction I hope I’m wrong
Oi, so do I 🤣