Match Preview: Atlanta United looks to get three points on the road against New York City FC

First Touches

• Atlanta United has three wins so far – all of which have come at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Several players will be out for Saturday’s game against NYCFC
• The match will be held at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y. Previously, Atlanta has played NYCFC at Yankee Stadium and Red Bull Arena.
• ‘The objective is to win this one so we can get to two points per game. With that, we kind of make up for the other two games that we didn’t win away’ | This week’s Training Notebook

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, April 6
• Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Citi Field

Traveling to Saturday’s match in New York? View the Traveling Supporters Guide

How to watch, listen and stream New York City FC vs. Atlanta United

• TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
• Listen: Local radio Star 94.1 (English) and La Mejor (Spanish)
• Live Stream: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app or visit here
• Follow along: Follow the match with real-time stats and live play-by-play on our Matchday Hub page

Recent Form

All of Atlanta United’s wins have been at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The most recent win was against Chicago Fire FC on March 31. A goal from Giorgos Giakoumakis and a birthday brace from Jamal Thiaré cemented the 3-0 victory for the 5-Stripes. Since the club’s inception, Atlanta United has not had any problem getting wins at home. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda, along with several of the players, have expressed wanting to end the regular season in the top four of the Eastern Conference, and accumulating road points is important to achieving that goal.

“But for me, the biggest takeaway was our performances on the road. We want to be a team that wins at home and away. Five games in and we still know we have another level,” said Jay Fortune during media availability on Tuesday.

Series History and Last Meeting

Atlanta United and NYCFC have faced each other a total of 15 times. Atlanta has won four of the meetings and six of the games ended in a draw. The last match between the two clubs ended in a 2-2 after a late equalizing goal from the 5-Stripes.

Tools to the Match: How Atlanta United secures three points on the road at NYCFC

Players to Watch

Santiago Rodriguez (New York City FC) – As a strong component to NYCFC’s offense, Rodriguez is a player to look out for. His ability to create, especially in the final third, has helped contribute to the beginning of the season for NYCFC. Atlanta’s defense, which ranks among the league’s best with a goal differential of five, will need to keep New York’s midfielder at bay.

Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United) – Lennon is not only a steady presence for Atlanta United, but also has plenty of offensive upside to his playing style. This was on full display in the match against Chicago when he made a beautiful assist to Thiaré for the team’s second goal of the match. Lennon’s effort and vision on the pitch leads to strong opportunities, especially when working in tandem with winger Saba Lobjanidze.