After ninety eight days of road matches, World Cup breaks, and bye weeks, Atlanta United is back home at last. You’ll have to go all the way back to May 9th, a lifetime ago at this point, to remember Atlanta’s last match in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a 2-1 loss to the L.A. Galaxy.
Now 98 days older, the Five Stripes go again in their home confines against a side that has historically not been forgiving to them. Red Bull New York has only lost to Atlanta United three times across their twenty meetings, once in 2018, 2023, and 2024.
Let’s begin with some head-to-head stats, courtesy of stats.scarvesandspikes.com:
If you thought 98 days was long enough, there’s been 440 days since the last meeting between Atlanta and the Red Bulls. So much time has passed that they’ve even swapped their name around from “New York Red Bulls” to “Red Bull New York”. Despite the length of time, they’ve only gotten younger- RBNY’s starting lineup has the youngest average age in the entire league. The youthful lineup stars the likes of breakouts such as Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti, and Mijahir Jiménez (who scored a brace last time out), who all are under the age of 20.
Led by Michael Bradley, RBNY sits eighth in the East on 25 points, which is more than double the amount your Wooden Spoon-leading Atlanta United have accumulated.
For the Five Stripes, they’ll be searching for any answers gained through the bye week after an incredible implosion cost them three points in a 3-2 loss to formerly next to last Philadelphia. As far as availability, Steven Alzate will be back with the squad, joined by Paulo Díaz after the receipt of his visa. Meanwhile, Enea Mihaj will serve his suspension following the previous match’s red card, while Jay Fortune is sidelined with yet another hamstring injury (to the opposite leg) and Will Reilly listed as questionable with an ankle injury suffered in training. Newly signed midfielder Mauricio Amaro will be out a bit as his visa process gets handled.
Before the match rolls around, be sure to check out our three questions series, this time with Area Sports Net’s Daniel Rebain:
The Five Stripes’ return is set for a 7:40 PM ET kickoff tonight in the Benz, with streaming available through Apple TV. If audio is more your vibe, 92.9 The Game has your English language coverage, while La Mejor is your go-to for Spanish radio.
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 as the Five Stripes seek comfort at home.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
TBA
Red Bull New York’s Lineup:
TBA
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, August 15th, 7:40 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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