There are some stats where you have to double- and triple-check just to make sure it’s correct. This is one of them.
I don’t know how that measures up to other teams around the league, but that is historically bad. Atlanta United just isn’t a good team on the road. Not only that, but their inability to win consistently at home further compounds matters. So you wouldn’t be alone if you went into Saturday’s match against the Chicago Fire, a team that just beat the best team in the Eastern Conference, with a healthy dose of skepticism. (That said, you can’t predict Major League Soccer. Maybe they’ll win?)
Here’s what you need to know about Atlanta United’s match at the Chicago Fire during Matchday 7 โ which will see Jorge Theiler serve as acting head coach after Tata Martino was shown red against the Columbus Crew.
Get ready for Atlanta United vs. Chicago Fire
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The scoop on the Chicago Fire
Last result: W 1-0 vs. Nashville SC
The Fire couldn’t have started their last match any better as Philip Zinckernagel scored 16 seconds in for the quickest goal in club history. Chris Brady (four saves) made it stand up as Chicago handed the Boys In Gold their first loss of the season. The win came with Hugo Cuypers out due to a head injury, and he’s questionable for Saturday.
Gregg Berhalter led Chicago to its first playoff berth since 2017 last year, and although that postseason trip ended in the first round, it was at least a sign of progress. Needless to say, the Fire will be looking to take the next step on that journey, especially with their new stadium set to open in 2028.
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Atlanta United vs. Chicago Fire injuries
Sergio Santos (hamstring) won’t play. Matรญas Galarza is back in the team after missing last week with a visa appointment.
Joel Waterman, who missed the Nashville game after picking up a lower-body injury in warmups, is questionable. Chris Mueller (undisclosed), Andrรฉ Franco (lower body), and Sam Rogers (lower body) are out.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup against Chicago Fire (4-3-3)
GK: Lucas Hoyos
D: Elรญas Bรกez, Enea Mihaj, Stian Gregersen, Tomรกs Jacob
M: Matรญas Galarza, Steven Alzate, Tristan Muyumba
F: Miguel Almirรณn (C), Latte Lath, Saba Lobjanidze
Score prediction: Chicago Fire 1-0 Atlanta United
I just don’t see it against the Fire. Atlanta’s road struggles have been a trademark over the last few years, and those struggles will continue at Soldier Field as the Five Stripes will lose their third away match of the season.
Looking forward to back passes to the keeper and a lack of attacking ideas. Honestly, i just โhate watchโ at this point.
I hear you, but I doubt we see as much back passing this game. They tend to cede possession to the home team when they are away and attempt more long, aimless balls over the top. It would be awesome if they could figure out how to play somewhere between the two extremes. ยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ
The team has looked much better with Galarza, but Iโm not expecting much.
Still seems bizarre the whole visa issue and that it only took one week to resolve. Hard to believe that Atlanta will only lose 0-1 considering how poorly the team has been playing.