Just like that, it’s matchday again as Atlanta United, on the back of a 2-1 win over Red Bull New York (I’m still chuckling at that), head up to the Twin Cities to take on Minnesota United.
Let’s begin with some head-to-head stats, courtesy of stats.scarvesandspikes.com:
Tonight’s midweek road trip fixture is only Atlanta’s second time playing their expansion siblings in the last seven years, shockingly enough. It’s also the Five Stripes’ first time playing at Allianz Field, which opened back in 2019. That would explain the head to head record leaning in Atlanta’s advantage, as the two sides met five times in their first three seasons in MLS, including the 2019 U.S. Open Cup final. It’s a matchup full of nostalgia.
Back then, Atlanta was favored in these meetings. Not so much nowadays, even as the Loons have hit a rough patch as of late. Minnesota has drawn four of their last five MLS matches, the non-draw being a lost to current last place holders Sporting Kansas City, and you’d have to go back to May 2nd for their last league win. Combine that with the balmy August weather and it seems like the perfect time to play up in Minneapolis.
Currently, the Loons sit in the ninth and final playoff spot in the West, with an overall 6-6-7 record. Their short-lived James Rodriguez era in the spring didn’t quite pan out as many hoped, and the Colombian star is now a free agent after spending six months in MLS. Minnesota features a familiar face in goal in Drake Callender, and MLS All-Star wing back Anthony Markanich. Julian Gressel is up there too, but hasn’t seen much time on the pitch this season.
As far as player availability for Atlanta United, only three names grace the injury report today.
Amaro still awaits his visa, which will likely take another week or two, and Will Reilly remains questionable as he works through an ankle injury. The big news on the list is Jay Fortune, who sustained an injury to his *other* hamstring in the opposite leg, which will extend his absence even longer after recently returning to training. It’s a tough blow to take, but the promising performance of Adrian Gill on Saturday provides some optimism in midfield for the time being.
Kickoff from Allianz Field is set for a slightly later 8:40 PM ET tonight in St. Paul, 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 attempt to reclaim past glory up in Minnesota tonight.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
Minnesota United’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minnesota
Kickoff Time: Saturday, August 19th, 8:40 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
This thread will be your match thread. We don’t have many rules here. We just ask that you don’t insult each other personally and treat each other with respect. Debates can get heated and that’s fine, but name-calling and petty insults will get you banned. If you see a comment that you feel is out of line, please report it and it will be dealt with.
Who Needs an Expensive 9 ? Not these dudes
Dare I say that Miggy has looked sharper since the WC break?
lmao what formation are we even in at this point
Just realized that we have all four of our center backs on the pitch plus Jacob and Edwards lol.
And Baez. I think Alonso moved to LB and Baez and Jacob are now DMs
Hoyos I love you. I’m sorry for what I’ve said about you. You have truly proved me wrong post WC.
I think Hoyos has made enough impressive saves that we need to stop automatically counting him as a negative on this team. Yes he started extremely rusty, but his saves have gotten better and better as the season goes.
Couldn’t have put it better myself.
Hoyos is the reason we are still in a good position this game (can’t believe I typed that for the second game in a row )
I take back all the bad things I’ve said about Hoyos.
Ditto
VAMMMOSSSS YESSSS MUYUMBA HAS BEEN CLASS YESS GREAT SAVE HOYOS YESS YESS YESS
Wow – Hoyos cleans up a terrible pass and Muyumba with the finish !
Muyumba is definitely Mr 8 , not Mr 6
This season has proved that more than anything else. He’s great when given a bit more freedom to go foward.
Muyumba!!!
That was not a good challenge at all
Greg has been great today.
The doesn’t look like the same team we saw in the first half. Passing is poor as are the finishes. The Almiron chance blocked took the wind out of their sails.
I think they’re tired. Muyumba especially is doing that thing he does where once he gets tired he just refuses to move.
I say as he runs his butt off and scores
They didn’t have enough of a replay, but I thought the goalscorer was offsides.
I feel like we need a sub at midfield, but we don’t really have any options other than Alzate.
Playing aggressive win the ball back D and getting lucky , I will take it !
I jinxed us – sorry about that
I am cautiously excited at that pretty good first half showing. We love being a team of two halves though historically-.-
Jacob couldn’t believe he was that wide open. Thought he was gonna shank it 🙂
Hopefully we will see 2 true CBs in the starting line up. Would love to see Gregersen to start with Alonso tonight and Diaz subbing on in the 2nd half.
You may get your wish w/ the YC on Alonso (not sure what happened).