Something’s coming over the horizon … it’s a home marathon for Atlanta United! The 5-Stripes play five home games in their next six matches to be exact. The stretch is a prime opportunity to build some momentum, fueled by the loud and proud 17s in attendance.
The last time Atlanta United had a stretch of five home games in six MLS regular season matches was in the fall of 2021, when the 5-Stripes played six home games in seven matches from August through the end of September. They picked up six wins in that stretch, a run of form that fueled the squad to a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and an MLS Playoff appearance.
This time around, the stretch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will come much earlier in the regular season, giving Atlanta United a great chance to get out ahead in the campaign. Let’s take a look at who the 5-Stripes will welcome to ATL in their upcoming hosting spree:
Saturday, March 8 vs. New York Red Bulls
All-time record against NY: 3-10-5 (W-L-D)
Last match: W, 2-0 vs Nashville SC
What to expect: A repeat of a historic matchup
This Wednesday was the anniversary of the club’s first ever game, played against none other than New York Red Bulls. The upcoming installment on Saturday will feature two teams that have won and lost to start their seasons.
Emil Forsberg, who was just named to MLS Team of the Matchday for his goal against Nashville in Matchday 2, captains the New York side. Red Bulls also brought in Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, a forward with playing experience at clubs such as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Atlanta United’s backline will need to be prepared for those two players and be able to counter quickly to hit on the break.
Sunday, March 16 vs. Inter Miami
All-time record against MIA: 7-6-4
Last match: W, 4-1 at Houston Dynamo
What to expect: Messi, maybe?
Last season’s Supporters’ Shield winners make their way up to Atlanta on Saint Patrick’s Day weekend. Because of Inter Miami’s fixture congestion with MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup matches, superstar Lionel Messi isn’t a guarantee to play against the 5-Stripes. He didn’t travel with the team to Houston for the club’s 4-1 win over Dynamo, and they may want to keep his legs fresh for a potential midweek game after Atlanta.
Even if the Argentinian doesn’t play, Miami still has an arsenal of attacking talent, including the ever-dangerous Luis Suárez up front.
Saturday, March 29 vs. New York City FC
All-time record against NYC: 4-5-8
Last match: L, 0-1 at LAFC
What to expect: Razor-thin reunion
A battle of east coast metropolises, these two teams haven’t had much to separate them as of late. Atlanta United and NYCFC have played to a draw each time they’ve met in the last two seasons.
This New York matchup will also have some history to it, as head coach Ronny Deila faces the club he won MLS Cup with in 2021. Now, he’ll face players he coached, such as Maxi Morales, a key contributor to the 2021 run who already has an assist to begin this season.
Saturday, April 5 vs. FC Dallas
All-time record against DAL: 2-2-1
Last match: D, 3-3 at Colorado Rapids
What to expect: A former MVP for the D
Like Atlanta United, FC Dallas made waves in the offseason, trading for star midfielder Luciano Acosta from FC Cincinnati. He already scored in Dallas’ last match, a 3-3 draw with Colorado Rapids, and the attack is looking potent thus far, scoring five times in their first two matches.
These two teams last played in the regular season in 2023 and have only played twice since 2020. But, Atlanta did host Dallas at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground for the final game of their preseason, a game the 5-Stripes won 3-2 after three 45 minute periods. Maybe that extra bit of exposure will make this one extra interesting.
Saturday, April 12 vs. New England Revolution
All-time record against NE: 6-5-4
Last match: L, 0-1 vs Columbus Crew
What to expect: Tactical toil
These two squads had a chance to see each other in Bradenton, Fla. during preseason training camp. Atlanta United won 2-0 thanks to a Jamal Thiaré header and a Mateusz Klich strike. While both squads will look quite different and won’t be rotating like they were in February, the result gives Atlanta something to look at and base tactical decisions on.
Carles Gil will always be a danger, as he’s posted double digit goal contributions every healthy season of his MLS career.
Get in the building and get loud
Deila said it felt like a rock concert in Mercedes-Benz Stadium during Atlanta United’s home opener. Now, there are more opportunities than ever to face the music and feel the atmosphere. The first test is New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, March 8. If opening day was any indication, we’re in line for plenty more “concerts” in the coming weeks.
5-Stripes. One City.
Buy your tickets and be part of the action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium!
