Alright, so we’ve got Gregg Berhalter and Tata Martino’s sides battling it out on the docket this weekend. So… like a USA-Mexico type of game, right?
Yeah… no.
In fact, we’ll only see one of those former international managers on the touchline tonight in Chicago, as Martino has the night off, serving his red card suspension picked up towards the end of last weekend’s 3-1 loss at home to the Columbus Crew.
That match capped off a four game home stand for Atlanta United, in which the Five Stripes gained a measley four points over the span of nearly a month. The most recent match, an uncohesive showing with little to be seen in attack and even less in defense, gave Columbus their first win in 2026 and dropped Atlanta down into the unfortunately familiar bottom four of the Eastern Conference.
The Five Stripes now sit alongside the likes of five loss CF Montreal, -18 goal differential Orlando, and the only team to not have a single point so far this season, the Philadelphia Union. Who is Atlanta’s only win, by the way. It’s simply, once again, not good enough.
As for Chicago, they’ve only lost one in their last five. Most recently, the Men in Red handed Nashville SC their first loss of the year thanks to Philip Zinckernagel’s goal about 15 seconds after kickoff, the fastest in club history.
Let’s take a peek at some stat lines for toinght’s matchup with the help of stats.scarvesandspikes.com:
Well, that away form ain’t looking too hot. Nearly as bad as Atlanta’s actual record this season. Only once have the Five Stripes ever gone to Chicago and come away with three points. Miguel Almiron started in that one, too, back in May of 2018. It’ll be a tall task once again tonight.
In a small glimmer of hope for Atlanta, Chicago striker Hugo Cuypers is listed as questionable, and it’s doubtful we see him as he continues to recover from a head injury. Cuypers scored in four consecutive matches before being sidelined, although the Fire have continued to find the back of the net in spite of his absence, netting five goals in their last three.
On Atlanta’s end, Matias Galarza is back from Paraguay with a visa and back with the team. The midfielder was sorely missed last weekend, as was Cooper Sanchez from the starting lineup as his minutes were limited. Neither will be kept from the field this weekend, so the lineup seen against Columbus should be well and truly in the past.
As we wait the extra hour for our central time zone kickoff, why not spend it getting all the information you need to prep for Atlanta United’s trip to the Windy City with our preview and predictions:
Atlanta United vs. Chicago Fire preview, lineups, injuries, score prediction
All you need to know as Atlanta United travels to the Chicago Fire for Matchday 7.
You can catch the broadcast for toinght’s 8:30 PM ET match on Apple TV, no MLS Season Pass required. Your English radio broadcast for this one will be on 92.9 The Game, and the usual spot for Spanish on La Mejor.
No matter where you are, or how things look on the pitch, feel free to chime in on the match down below in our match thread for tonight as the Five Stripes try, try again.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Chicago Fire’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Kickoff Time: Saturday, April 11th, 8:39 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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Second time in three games the goalposts are MOTM.
This is becoming comical. Nice whiff, Muyumba!
ELL subbed out, wow.
How can Arthur Blank be so successful in business yet can’t find people to manage this team? Poor player selection has killed this franchise. He has no one to blame but himself. This is a collection of paycheck collectors with no pride. I had been a founding season ticket holder until this season. I’m so glad I didn’t renew. They don’t deserve our support.
I knew Selassie was going to score as I believe he’s burned us before. Shambolic defending.
The coach only plays his country men..and therefore bias..and this is why atlanta untied will not be successful…at this rate this we will loose alot of games.
Its ok
Tata will be gone after next season
This coach is stupid, stubborn and bias. Keep putting a shit keeper, and a sorry left back..we need to Start Hibbert, and Edward, move Jacob to CDM..and bring Sanchez off the bench…stupid coach
The fact that Miranchuk isn’t even on the roster is puzzling and also inexcusable (barring an injury off the bus?!). He traveled with the team so there better be a good reason.
Latte is on the pitch, but not your #1 goal scorer so far?? The maths ain’t math-ing, Tata.
That has to be a late injury
Late muscle injury is the word. Unfortunate.
Has to be. Can only think he could’ve
Miransaved our asses with a shot from outside the box.
Chicago 2 Atl 1
And Gutman will out G+A Almiron…
would be kind of funny if Atlanta wins today without Tata managing the match tonight
I was at that May 2018 game in Chicago. Those were heady times. The away supporters section was loud and proud, standing all 90 minutes. IIRC, Barco scored in that game. Wow, what a craptastic descent from those days.
Is it too early in the season for apathy to have set in…
Given the last 5+ years, I say it’s not too early. At the end of the day, Atlanta United is in the entertainment business. Are you entertained? With the exception of the brief Cinderella run in the playoffs in 2024, when was the last time you were entertained by this team? They haven’t earned our interest.
This is the first season I remember that started without any real hope. Even last year I think there was some optimism. This year? Nope. It was clear from the first kick.