After nearly 100 days, Atlanta United is back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on Red Bull New York on Saturday night. The match brings with it news of Breel Embolo’s reported arrival from Rennes on an $18M transfer fee. Tonight, though, the focus is on a win, and at least giving fans something to cheer about in the midst of a 0-5-2 skid.
Get ready for Atlanta United vs. Red Bull New York
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The scoop on Red Bull New York
7-7-4, 25 points, 8th in East
Last result: W 3-2 vs. Orlando City (August 1)
Michael Bradley is in his first season as head coach after leading RBNY II to a MLS Next Pro championship in his lone season with the club. Being the son of Bob Bradley and a lengthy USMNT career brings with it a certain level of expectations, but while RBNY can be a little hot-and-cold, it’s not been a bad first year on the job.
All eyes on Saturday will be focused on Julian Hall, the dynamic 18-year-old who leads the team with nine goals. Hall, who is eligible for the Polish national team through his mother, hasn’t had a senior team cap yet, but before long, he’ll have a choice between the USMNT and Poland. Though he’s slowed down a bit from his once-torrid pace, Atlanta will still need to ensure he’s accounted for.
Jorge Ruvalcaba has had a terrific campaign for RBNY since signing as a DP from Pumas, netting seven goals. They’ve also gotten production from Emil Forsberg (2g/7a), but he’s well off his 11/11 pace from 2025.
One area Atlanta United can exploit: Red Bull’s defense. New York’s 39 goals are fourth-highest in MLS. It’s worth noting that Matthew dos Santos, RBNY’s starting left back, turned 18 in June, so I’d expect attacking play to flow down his side of the pitch.
Atlanta United vs. Red Bull New York injuries
We obviously won’t see Mauricio Amaro as he works on his visa, but Paulo Díaz will be available for selection for the first time since signing for Atlanta. Injury-wise, Jay Fortune (hamstring) remains out and Will Reilly (ankle) is questionable, so Iggy Suarez-Couri has been called up from ATL UTD 2 on a short-term agreement. On a disciplinary note, Enea Mihaj is out after his red card against the Philadelphia Union.
For Red Bull, Rafael Mosquera (thigh) is questionable. Backup goalkeeper A.J. Marcucci is out with a knee injury.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup against Red Bull New York (4-3-3)
GK: Lucas Hoyos
D: Elias Báez, Júnior Alonso, Stian Gregersen, Matt Edwards
M: Tristan Muyumba, Cooper Sanchez, Tomás Jacob
F: Fafá Picault, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón
Score prediction: Atlanta United 2-3 Red Bull New York
Red Bull’s struggling defense will allow Atlanta United to take their chances. Ultimately, though, the visitors will get the better end of this one and send Atlanta to yet another loss.
I say we park the bus Paraguay style and see what happens 🙂
knowing how Tata goes about things, I would not be surprised if Gregersen is on the bench and he plays Diaz and Alonso