Match Preview: Atlanta United vs. Charlotte FC

Atlanta United hosts Charlotte FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday for the first all-time matchup between the two clubs. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. 

Here’s how to watch, listen and live stream the match. 

Atlanta United is ready to return to the pitch after a disappointing result on the road last week against the Colorado Rapids. The absence of Osvaldo Alonso, who sat out against the Rapids due to precautionary reasons, put defender George Campbell in the defensive midfielder position. A thin midfield and cold conditions created a challenging road trip for the 5-Stripes.   

Now, Atlanta returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for two consecutive home matches. Going back to 2021, Atlanta United is currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak at home. This week, the team goes up against Charlotte FC, an MLS expansion club playing its inaugural MLS season.  

It’s the first meeting between the two franchises, and the proximity of the cities have pitted the two against each other. There are certainly some undertones of competition as Charlotte FC has modeled a lot of their identity – from marketing campaigns like #ForTheCrownFriday to even their website content – after Atlanta United.

As an expansion team itself, Atlanta United is a paragon for any club that joins the league. Atlanta United was founded in 2014 and played its inaugural season in 2017. The club's on-the-field success, consistent attendance and a desirable home atmosphere that MLS players voted the best stadium environment in the league has made Atlanta United the premier leader of the MLS expansion model. 

Although pieces are being placed for the matchup between Atlanta and Charlotte to become a rivalry, during media availability on Friday, goalkeeper Brad Guzan said the team's focus remains on the match itself.

“For us, we obviously want to bounce back from the Colorado game and get three important points,” Guzan said.

Roster Notes 

Atlanta United is getting some players back this week. During media availability on Friday, head coach Gonzalo Pineda confirmed the status of several players. 

Alonso sat out of the Colorado game due to precautionary reasons while he got some cardiology tests done. On Friday, the club announced Alonso has been cleared and will be available for selection on Sunday. 

“I think it’s very good for us, the mood of the team changed dramatically once he was here, and that’s good,” Pineda said. “He’s been training with us two days and he’s full reintegrated.” 

The three players waiting on their visas in Argentina – Thiago Almada, Santiago Sosa and Franco Ibarra – also returned to Atlanta this week.  

Almada practiced on his own at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground while the team had Thursday off. Then on Friday, he trained with the team in Atlanta for the first time. Pineda singled out Almada, saying he looked good and fit. Almada will be available for Sunday.  

“We’re very, very happy about his reintegration with the team,” Pineda said.

Sosa, who has spent most of preseason coming back from sports hernia surgery he had in November, practiced fully on Friday. The club checked his fitness levels and movements before determining he could be available for Sunday.

Unlike Sosa, Pineda said it’s unclear whether Ibarra will be available against Charlotte.  

“Very happy, always,” Pineda said. “Even when we didn’t have them, obviously we missed them, but I’m very happy with the team. I’m very happy with every player I have on the squad, and it’s just a very good job for me to be coach of Atlanta United.”

About The Opponent 

Charlotte FC is an Eastern Conference club based in North Carolina. In December 2019, it was announced that Charlotte FC would join MLS as the league’s 28th club. The 2022 season is the team's inaugural year, and it’s Atlanta United’s first conference foe of the season.  

A lot of the team’s history and branding are rooted in the city’s namesake, Queen Charlotte. The club uses a crown in its branding to represent the city of Charlotte’s nickname as the “Queen City.” The team’s primary colors are blue, black and white, and they incorporate mint in their secondary kit. 

The club is owned by David Tepper who also owns the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. Charlotte FC also shares its home venue, Bank of America Stadium, with the Panthers. Atlanta will travel to Charlotte for the second meeting on April 9 for another nationally televised match on ESPN.

Charlotte FC is led by Miguel Ángel Ramírez, a native of Spain. Some of his previous coaching experience includes Porto Alegre Internacional in Brazil, Independiente del Valle in Ecuador and the Qatar youth national teams.  

“I’m excited about facing Charlotte and facing this coach because I think he’s going to do very well in MLS,” Pineda said.

2022 So Far

Both teams enter Sunday’s matchup coming off losses. Atlanta United started the season strong, scoring three goals in its MLS season opener against Sporting Kansas City 3-1, which matched the club’s total from its first five season opening matches in MLS combined. However, Atlanta United lost for the first time this season last weekend 3-0 to the Colorado Rapids. 

In its inaugural MLS season, Charlotte FC so far is winless in two matches. The club will also be looking to score its first MLS goal. In both losses to D.C. United and L.A. Galaxy, Charlotte FC was shut out. Charlotte is the seventh expansion team to lose its first two matches in MLS, the first to do so without scoring since Toronto in 2007. 

“Obviously, being at home it’s important we get back on track,” Guzan said. “And it just so happens to be a team that’s close in proximity to our city as well as a team that’s probably still trying to find their identity a little bit. They're a new expansion team, so it’s a good opportunity for us to pick up some points.”

Players To Watch 

George Campbell – The Homegrown defender displayed versatility and leadership when he slid into the no. 6 spot last week against Colorado. With Alonso still making his way back and Miles Robinson out due to a red card suspension, Campbell will be an important player for Atlanta United on Sunday. 

Thiago Almada – He joined the club later in the week, but if he plays on Sunday, Almada will be making his Atlanta United debut in front of a home crowd. His precision and touch on the ball could help the team find that final pass in the attacking third and create more chances for striker Josef Martínez.

Christian “Titi” Ortíz – The winger from Argentina joined Charlotte FC in January on loan from Club Tijuana in Liga MX. Ortíz is a dynamic, creative player who has two total shots in 2022 and leads the club in key passes (5). He has a solid relationship with Ramírez and played 31 games for him previously at Independiente del Valle in Ecuador.  

Anton Walkes – Atlanta United fans may see a familiar face on the opposing half on Sunday. Walkes, who played with Atlanta United for three seasons and started all but one match for Atlanta in 2021, was selected by Charlotte in the MLS Expansion Draft in December. Although he’s been out with an injury, Walkes trained with Charlotte on Friday. If he’s available to play, Walkes could go up against his former teammates for the first time.

Other Tidbits 

• Heading into Week 3 action, Atlanta ranks third in MLS in big chances created with seven, trailing New York Red Bulls (11) and Austin (8).
• In its last 14 MLS matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United has allowed more than one goal just twice. 
• Atlanta United is tied for the third-most home wins in MLS since 2017 with 53 (regular season and playoffs).
• The 5-Stripes won five of their first seven matches against MLS newcomers, including against Minnesota in the first MLS season for both teams in 2017 (the infamous snow game). 
• Atlanta United will be wearing the BLVCK kit on Sunday.

It’s a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff for Atlanta United and Charlotte FC.

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