Two players headlined Atlanta United's acquisitions during the summer transfer window. Now, after finding their footing in MLS, both have been selected for MLS Team of the Matchday for the first time, the league announced Thursday afternoon:
- Pedro Amador, the fullback signed on July 1, made the best XI on the Team of the Matchday.
- Alexey Miranchuk, the club's marquee addition during the summer transfer window, appeared on the bench for his game-tying goal.
Both players were targets for Atlanta United because they are entering or currently in the prime of their professional soccer careers, and the two players showed their quality Wednesday night during Atlanta's come-from-behind draw with Inter Miami CF, the best team in Major League Soccer. Combined, Amador and Miranchuk contributed a goal and an assist for Atlanta United. They were also the two highest rated players for the team on SofaScore.
Pedro Amador
Since arriving this summer, Amador has logged 359 minutes and started each of his four MLS appearances. He made his club debut during Leagues Cup, quickly integrating into a starting role along Atlanta's backline.
The 25-year-old was expected to replace Caleb Wiley, the standout Homegrown who transferred to Chelsea in the English Premier League. At left fullback, Amador has stepped into the role previously held by Wiley, and from Thursday's honors, it seems that with Amador's ability Atlanta hasn't lacked at that position.
Amador earned his first career MLS assist Wednesday night on Atlanta's first goal scored by Saba Lobjanidze. But what stands out about Amador is his relentlessness and awareness on the defensive end. During Wednesday's match, he disrupted the Inter Miami attack several times, ending the night with four interceptions. He also made the critical block at the goal line that not only provented Miami from extending their lead but initiated the attack that eventually led to Atlanta's equalizing goal from Miranchuk.
A few weeks ago in Atlanta's 1-0 win over Charlotte FC, Amador put together one of the league's best defensive performances. He made five tackles, tied for highest in MLS for that week. He added five interceptions, third highest in MLS. Those 10 tackles + interceptions against Charlotte were the second-most for any player in MLS that week.
"Pedro specifically, whether he was defending him of defending the box, clearing off the line, he's been fantastic the last two games," interim head coach Rob Valentino said Wednesday night. "That's a person who's integrated into the team really well."
Alexey Miranchuk
Miranchuk was the headliner of the summer transfer window for Atlanta United. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder was regarded as an elite chance creator whose dynamic attacking ability was comparable to some high caliber names in the world of soccer.
He arrived to MLS from Italy’s Serie A where he played for Atalanta, a club that won the Europa League for the 2023-2024 season. Three starts with Atlanta United, Miranchuk says he's still adjusting, but with this screamer in the 84th minute against Miami, Atlanta United supporters caught a glimpse of the spectacular skill the designated player is capable of showing on the pitch.
"If you compare the leagues in Europe to the U.S., it's completely different," Miranchuk said. "I can't explain the small details but it's just different. A lot of back-to-back, a lot of transition games. I thank my teammates and my coach, they are helping me to adjust more and more."
