Who: Atlanta United vs Philadelphia Union
What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 9
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, April 14, 2:30 PM EST
Watch: Fox, FoxDeportes, Apple TV – Free
Whistle: TBD
Philadelphia Union will take on Atlanta United on Sunday afternoon for another Eastern Conference battle. Atlanta United is undefeated at home and looking for their 100th regular season win on Sunday.
The last time these two teams met, the Union won 3-2 but a two-goal comeback effort from Atlanta kept the game interesting to the very end. Series history for these teams sits at 5-5-5.
Scouting Report: Atlanta United
The defining story thus far for Atlanta has been their inability to get points on the road. Sitting at 3-2-1 in the Eastern Conference, the Five Stripes gained their first road point against New York City FC last Saturday.
At home, however, Atlanta is undefeated in 2024, outscoring opponents 9-1 in the process. It’s a true “home field advantage” for the Five Stripes, as Mercedes Benz leads the league in average attendance, making for an electric energy for the home team.
To increase their chances of 3 points, Atlanta’s defense and midfield will need to disrupt the Union’s attacks and ensure Carranza doesn’t have any open chances in front of goal. Additionally, with key attacking players expected to miss Sunday’s game, responsibility to find the goal will fall on Thiago Almada, who has had an unusually quiet season thus far.
With Derrick Williams and Jamal Thiaré picking up injuries last weekend, Atlanta will rely on its squad’s depth to step up. If the Five Stripes can get contributions from its depth, they have a chance at maintaining their perfect home record.
Injury Report: Jamal Thiaré (Out) Derrick Williams (Out) Stian Gregersen (Out)
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
The Union enter the match in Atlanta with momentum after wins against Portland Timbers, Minnesota United, and Nashville SC. As the only unbeaten team in the league, the Boys in Blue have their sights set on one more win before heading into their bye week.
Having Andre Blake, Kai Wagner, and Mikael Uhre back after injuries sustained will surely help the Union’s chances of a road win. An impressive pace from Carranza, Gazdag, and Sullivan continue to compliment the staunch defensive efforts of the Union’s back line.
The Union’s biggest challenge will ultimately be adjusting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and ensuring the opponents have no mistakes to capitalize on. Atlanta United are just 1 of 6 teams to play on astroturf, and Head Coach Jim Curtin acknowledged how tiny details about field maintenance gave Atlanta United a true home field advantage.
Ultimately, Curtin recognized the strength of both teams, adding “We also are good on the counter attacking and can be tough to play against defensively, so trying to limit their key guys will certainly be a goal of ours….We have to be smart, brave for sure, but not overly confident because they have some real good attacking talent.”
Injury Report: Flach (Out) Trent (Out) LeFlore (Out)
Matchup to Watch: Atlanta attack vs. Philly defense
Led by World Cup-winning No. 10 Thiago Almada and Golden Boot-contending No. 9 Giorgos Giakoumakis, Atlanta boasts one of the deadliest multi-pronged attacks in the league (especially at home). Will Glesnes and Co. be a match after a wobbly start to the season?
Player to Watch: Julián Carranza
Atlanta United has conceded the fewest goals in the league (5), tied with FC Cincinnati. Can King Julián find his way onto the score sheet while at the Benz?
Prediction: Atlanta United 0 – 1 Philadelphia Union
It’ll be a hard-fought battle for much of the 90 minutes, but ultimately the Union pull away in the end.
Anna — you are an awesome addition to PSP – thanks for stepping up. Hope to meet you some day — I sit front row 102. Say hi sometime on your way by.
and on the article — from your pen to God’s ear! but….another road win? I’m not feeling it. maybe a 2-2 tie. Joe
Hmmm… Atlanta are too good at home for the Union to get a win, I think 2-2 if we’re lucky.
AstroTurf and soccer are a bad combination.
C’mon the U ! ⚽️ DOOP !!!
Let’s Go to the break top of the table!
I hope Philly win
I hope Philly win again I can’t wait for the next home game on the 27th
Considering basically all the other results went our way except Miami the superstitious negadephian in me says philly will miss this opportunity to capitalize
No negative waves Moriarty-
Dig deep today Union, leave it all on the field- win and you are not only top of the Eastern Conference but at the top of the Supporters Sheild !!!
DOOP It Up !!!