One week post-elimination, Atlanta United returns to the pitch this afternoon to unofficially begin the 2026 preseason.
There’s little for the Five Stripes to play for in the penultimate home match of a disastrous 2025, save for youth experience and what amounts to extended trials for next year’s roster. San Diego, meanwhile, lies on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. The expansion side enters the Benz for the first time ever while sitting on top of the Western Conference and a close second in the Shield race.
With such wildly different motivations between the two competing sides, this one could get interesting. Hopefully not in the “5-0 down in the first half” type of interesting, but interesting nonetheless.
It wouldn’t be surprising if it does feel like a continuation of the start of last weekend’s match against Columbus, though. San Diego is tied for the most goals scored in MLS with 55 on the year. San Diego has the best away form in the league, with 10 wins away from home thus far. San Diego has a top MVP candidate in Anders Dreyer, who has the most goal contributions in the league with 30, and a star striker in Chucky Lozano. Atlanta has… a tough hill to climb.
Not that a result here means a whole lot in the grand scheme of things, but Atlanta does have the bright spot in Latte Lath returning from the injury list and being fit to play in today’s match. Matt Edwards and Jay Fortune remain sidelined, however, and Will Reilly has joined them recently with a hamstring injury. Bartek Slisz will return to the lineup as well, having served his yellow card suspension last week.
Will we get more first half against Columbus Atlanta, or can the squad come in as if they are already 5-0 down and prove themselves worthy of sticking around for just a little while longer?
We’ll find out together, with kickoff from the Benz coming your way this afternoon at an earlier 4:40 PM ET. Before kickoff, be sure to check out our Three Questions series with San Diego blog SanDiego.futbol for the inside scoop on this weekend’s opponent. If you aren’t making it to the Benz, streaming can be found on Apple TV with a subscription to MLS Season Pass while radio coverage is provided in English on 92.9 The Game and in Spanish on La Mejor.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
San Diego FC’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, September 20th, 4:40 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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Wow. Best performance I’ve seen all year.
17-7 in shots, I need to go retire to the fainting couch.
MIGGY!!!!
Looks like Alazate didn’t need much time to adapt to our style of play
You said better
Are we cursed!? We bring in other players and all
Of sudden they are turning it over right in front of goal.