With playoff dreams firmly balled up and thrown into the trash and a rebuild already in full swing, it’s time now for the latest installment of America’s favorite MLS matchup: Atlanta United and the Seattle Sounders.
That last part was sarcasm. The all time series between the two sides has been anything but exciting, especially the inital highly billed clashes that became anything but. Who could forget the thrilling encounter immediately after the 2018 World Cup Final ended that showed the world what the league has to offer? Oh… everybody?
To be fair, there have been some bright moments for Atlanta against the Sounders in more recent history. The Five Stripes have actually won both of the previous two matches in the series, one at home and one away. Nearly two years removed, though, this team feels miles away from that 2023 squad that left Lumen Field with a 2-0 result in tow against the eventual second place team in the West.
Instead, it’s a squad in turmoil. Since last Saturday, Atlanta United has dropped three players from its roster and has added two others. You can find more detail in our handy transfer tracker, but in short Efrain Morales, Mateusz Klich, and Noah Cobb are all in a better place now (i.e. not Atlanta United. Also Cobb is on loan.). Inbound comes previously announced Enea Mihaj and newly announced Juan Berrocal, both center backs and both instantly competing for starting roles. Neither should expect to start tonight, but both should immediately help Atlanta start shoring up a shoddy backline.
Speaking of which: Stian Gregersen is offically off the injury report, and could also make a long awaited return to the roster after a quad injury has left him sidelined since April 19th. They say defense wins championships… can three additional defenders win Atlanta United a match?
We’ll see how the Five Stripes fare against a fourth in the West Sounders side that has scored three goals in each of their last three matches (!), 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.
Don’t forget to check out our match preview with a feature from the good folks at Sounder at Heart, then join us from wherever you may be following from down in our match thread below as we take in Atlanta’s last MLS match before Leagues Cup.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Seattle Sounders’ Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, July 26th, 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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Miranchuk has always been clutch for us
Awesomely bad is what we are
Laser!
Holy shit Miranchuk
Goal of the year potentially for me
Lol. Atrocious giveaway by Saba and then an absolutely pathetic defensive header by Lennon to not clear the danger.
I said it, when Lennon was subbed on, well now we’re gonna lose.
Awww geez guys
Nice shot by Slisz, I’ll take more chances like those
well that’s a new one. Referee getting subbed
Why haven’t we been doing that all season? (:
That goal was on Gregerson. If you go for that header you need to win it. Stupid risk with a lead.
It’s stuff like that why I wasn’t particularly convinced by him even when he has been healthy.
LGP available? I’d take him back any time
All day long with LGP. Letting him and Escobar go was a big part of the problems that we’re still dealing with. No bite on defense.
New CB looks legit so far.
That goal was a combination of 4 different things.
1. Wasteful cross by ELL. Even if it doesnt connect, its got to put the defense under more pressure such that we can apply more pressure on the second ball before its cleared. If its fizzed across the box with more sauce, we likely win a corner. These types of plays are why I think ELL is not the right type of player for us. No finesse when he’s in the playmaker role.
2. Yes, it was a mistake by Gregersen.
3. I’ve seen the challenge on Gregersen been given as a foul before. I havent seen a convincing enough replay yet to have a stronger opinion on this specific play.
4. Its not “on” Brad, but his positioning could have been better, knowing Williams last chance slide could have helped block off the far post.
And there it is
Can’t wait to see if we can come out of the locker room engaged and focused and not give up a howler of a goal within the first 5 min
You are wise and can see the future
At least it was 10 min in this time, not 5…
Brennan is playing like Saba was playing at the end of last year : hustle , effort , pressure
except Saba mostly played the right side last year.
I don’t know what aliens have inhabited the guys wearing red and black but they actually look good
How was that not a foul? LL trying to get up and the guy just completely on top of him, exactly the same as the other way when it was called a foul.
ELL is a slow, slow man
Miggy is everywhere on Defense and Attack
A goal ?! By us ?! In the 7th minute ?!
Technically by Seattle. Good old Own Goal
Best player on our team
that was a crazy angle for the goal!
o it was deflect off a Seattle player
that was probably the best yellow card i have seen an atlanta player make this season
I’m happy with the two swaps in the line-up
I have no idea of what to expect. I would prefer not to challenge Montreal for the Wooden Spoon
Welp, this is about as good a lineup as I think we could’ve hoped for. Not sure if Hernandez or Edwards is the play here, but anyone but Lennon please. Curious to see both how Gregersen does after being out on sabbatical, and Mihaj to see if he’s actually an upgrade.
Curious to see if Mihaj will get into the match tonight.
Atlanta trades away an international slot to Miami for $225K GAM and Leo Afonso.