Atlanta United is back from the international break and back at home at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the inaugural American Family Insurance Cup against Liga MX powerhouse C.F. Pachuca. The 5-Stripes are gearing up for the next part of the MLS schedule which begins on Sunday against Inter Miami CF. But before that match, they will look to lift another trophy when they take on Pachuca on Tuesday night. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by The Home Depot against C.F. Pachuca.
Taking Advantage of Opportunities Earned
Tuesday night’s match will be a good test for Atlanta United when they host Pachuca. It will also be an opportunity for several younger players to showcase themselves on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium stage. Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda indicated on Monday that several players from ATL UTD 2 have earned their chance to get some minutes in Tuesday’s contest. Fans can expect a good mix of players as the First Team regulars look to get back into rhythm before Sunday’s MLS return. Players like Caleb Wiley, Santiago Sosa and Josef Martinez are fully recovered from injuries and have worked hard on their fitness over the past couple of weeks. Tuesday night will provide a great stage for players who don’t normally receive as much playing time to show the coaching staff that they belong in the First Team for the rest of the season. It will be up to each player to grab that chance and take full advantage of it against one of the best teams in Liga MX.
Contain Pachuca’s Formidable Attack
C.F. Pachuca is coming off a fantastic Liga MX Clausura campaign. The side finished the regular season in first place compiling a 12-2-3 (W-L-T) record. They scored 30 goals (tied for the most) and conceded only 15 (tied for best defensive mark) during the regular season. They advanced to the Clausura Playoffs Final before falling to Atlas. They are led by Nicolas Ibanez who led the team in scoring with nine goals in 17 matches. They will be the third Liga MX side that Atlanta United has faced at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 5-Stripes defeated Monterrey (Concacaf Champions League) and Club America (Campeones Cup) in previous matches at home.
A Cup By The Fans, For The Fans
Atlanta United’s 17s have been an integral part in the leadup to the American Family Insurance Cup. Now it’s time for the team and fans to reap the rewards on Tuesday night. Fans participated in voting to vote on several matchday aspects including which kit to wear, what songs to play before and during the match or who will hit the Golden Spike. Tuesday night’s match is another way for the club to show gratitude to its amazing supporters. This past Sunday, supporters visited the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground and participated in skills challenges with the players. The team will look to ride that positive wave on Tuesday night and pick up another victory against a Liga MX side.
Fans can tune in to the American Family Insurance Cup on Bally Sports Southeast or atlutd.com/live on Tuesday night with kickoff set for 7:30pm ET. Check out all the ways to watch, listen and live stream the match.
