Pedro Amador will make his season debut for Atlanta United in the home match against New York Red Bulls. The Portuguese defender missed the first two matches of the season due to an injured hamstring.
He appears in the starting XI for head coach Ronny Deila.
We won't see Brooks Lennon today, the other fullback who has yet to play this season. Deila told media on Thursday that the target to have Lennon available is next weekend.
"That's good news. Very good news," Deila said.
Amador signed with Atlanta United during the summer transfer window last season, and instantly found a place and contributed. He started 14 matches, including all five postseason games for Atlanta United, and finished 2024 with eight total assists.
While the group is still without two fullbacks on Saturday -- Lennon and Ronald Hernández -- the return of Amador and the comfort level growing with homegrown Matt Edwards, who makes his third career MLS start today, means restoring some depth at the position. Atlanta United started three center backs last weekend in Charlotte, and now they're two fullbacks away from full health and more options.
"All our injuries have been on the sides, in the fullbacks area, so that will give more weight in the squad," Deila said. "They also get more tired because they have to run more, same with the wingers. To double up in these two positions is key to keep attacking and keep having good width in our game."
Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United against New York Red Bulls:
Brad Guzan (C), Matt Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Derrick Williams, Pedro Amador, Bartosz Slisz, Tristan Muyumba, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón, Saba Lobjanidze, Emmanuel Latte Lath
Reserves: Josh Cohen, Noah Cobb, Luis Abram, Dominik Chong Qui, Jay Fortune, Mateusz Klich, Edwin Mosquera, Xande Silva, Cayman Togashi
Match Notes:
-- Miguel Almirón is two goals shy of moving up to second place all-time in scoring for the club. The midfielder recorded an assist, the 50th goal contribution in his MLS regular season career, in his joyful return during Atlanta's 3-2 win over CF Montréal.
-- This is the first appearance in the starting XI this season for Tristan Muyumba. The midfielder made 30 appearances for Atlanta United in 2024.
-- Atlanta United owns an all-time record of 3-10-5 (W-L-D) against New York Red Bulls. All three of Atlanta's wins in the series have come at home.
-- Dominik Chong Qui is on the matchday roster, signing a short-term agreement on Friday. Last week in Charlotte, the 17-year-old defender made his debut, entering as a sub in the 88th minute. He became the third youngest to ever play in an MLS match for Atlanta United.
-- Atlanta United is celebrating International Women's Day on March 8. Throughout the match, you'll see women and girls in a variety of roles: national anthem singer, honorary captain, Golden Spike carriers, ball kids and flag kids. The HERo Collection, a custom retail collection made by women, for women, is also available for purchase.
