The 2025 MLS regular season kicks off on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Atlanta United hosts CF Montréal. After an action-packed offseason, the 5-Stripes are looking to get off to a great start. Saturday’s season opener at home marks just the fourth time in nine seasons that the team has opened a campaign at home. The last time Atlanta opened the season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the team picked up a 2-1 victory. With a new head coach and new designated players in the fold, the 5-Stripes hope to get off to a hot start in what is sure to be another tightly contested Eastern Conference race. The last time these two sides met was in last year’s playoffs, when Atlanta defeated Montréal in a penalty shootout to advance. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against CF Montréal.
New players, new coach, familiar support from the 17s
The 5-Stripes will debut new players, a new head coach and new kits on Saturday night. Head coach Ronny Deila takes charge of the team for the first time in a competitive match, and he’ll look to bring his winning mentality to the group. Deila has won titles in multiple leagues, including MLS when he hoisted MLS Cup with NYCFC in 2021.
Saturday night will also mark a special return for Miguel Almirón. One of the original members of Atlanta United’s first team in 2017 is back after six years in the Premier League. He is joined up top by Latte Lath, Atlanta’s new striker. Latte Lath comes from Middlesbrough FC in the English Championship where he had tremendous success. Both of those players should make Atlanta’s attack more lethal this season.
One thing that never changes is the support from the 17s. Saturday night’s match will be another full venue match, and Atlanta’s supporters always make Mercedes-Benz Stadium one of the best home environments in all of world football. With that support behind them, the 5-Stripes will look to earn their first three points of the season.
Limit CF Montréal's scoring opportunities on the break
The Canadian side is coming into Saturday’s match hoping to improve on their eighth-place finish in last year’s Eastern Conference. There have been several changes on the roster and head coach Laurent Courtois will try to mesh the new players into a successful team. In the attack, Montréal acquired Giacomo Vrioni from New England this offseason. The Italian scored nine goals for the Revolution a year ago. Bryce Duke and Caden Clark are two midfielders who have proven to be quality chance creators at the MLS level.
Montréal will most likely try and disrupt Atlanta’s possession and take advantage of counterattacking opportunities. If Atlanta can limit those scoring chances on the break and do a good job of counter pressing and winning the ball back deep in Montréal's half, they will put themselves in a position to earn the victory.
Control the match from start to finish
One of the points of emphasis throughout preseason for Atlanta United has been gaining more control of matches. But Deila has also stressed wanting to see players take risks and play the ball forward as quickly as possible. With dynamic attacking players, the transition moments and attacking with speed is one of the keys to success not only on Saturday but likely all season. Last year’s leading goalscorer, Saba Lobjanidze, is expected to switch flanks with the arrival of Almirón, and he’ll bring his tireless sprinting to complement the new signings. If Atlanta can control the tempo of the match from the opening whistle, they should come away with a positive result.
