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:
TBA
Philadelphia Union’s Lineup:
TBA
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
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