Photo by Ron Soliman

Who: Atlanta United FC vs. Philadelphia Union
What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 4
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
When: Saturday, March 14th, 3:15 PM
Watch: MLS on Apple TV, FOX; Radio Call on 97.5 The Fanatic
Whistle: REF: Marcos DeOliveira, AR1: Jose Da Silva, AR2: Tyler Wyrostek, 4TH: Alexis Da Silva; VAR: Kevin Stott, AVAR: Jeff Muschik

The Philadelphia Union travel to Atlanta on Saturday still looking for a result in league play to face an also winless Atlanta United. The Union haven’t lost to Atlanta since July of 2023, so it might be tempting to feel that momentum is on their side. But earlier matchups coached by Tata Martino were a much scrappier affairs, with the balance of wins going to Atlanta. And Martino is back, albeit in less exalted circumstances. Both teams will regard this match as a means of putting a stop to their slide.

Scouting report: Atlanta United FC (L-L-L)

The Five Stripes’ start to the season has so far not been an auspicious return for coach Tata Martino, where he previously oversaw one of the league’s greatest launches, culminating in an MLS Cup in 2018. Atlanta United haven’t won a match, they have scored only 3 goals in their last 5 matches, and have failed to keep a clean sheet.

Martino has had to experiment with players in various positions and may not yet be sure of his best XI, though the addition of Alexey Miranchuk as an attacking midfielder in the game against Salt Lake finally saw the attack come together. He scored both goals in their last game. Working with Almirón and Emmanuel Latte Lath as the No. 9, he provided a crucial link between midfield and attack.

Of particular concern is the back line, which has shown a capacity for individual mistakes. There also seems to be a lack of communication among the back line and midfield. Atlanta United fans may be looking for more changes after last week’s loss, but Martino is said to be “stubborn” in his approach, and he is likely to use the same back line as he did in Atlanta’s 2-3 loss to Salt Lake City.

Whether their front line can score more goals than their back line leaks might be the key to the game.

Injury report: OUT: Jay Fortune (foot); OUT: Will Reilly (hamstring)

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union (L-L-L)

New faces, mental errors, back-to-back red cards in back-to-back games, along with a crowded fixtures list have meant that the Union are working with a highly rotated squad that’s still trying to find its rhythm. The back line has not been as steadfast as in seasons past, though it may be coming together. Olwethu Makhanya, Geiner Martínez and/or Nathan Harriel make for a solid center back pairing.

There remains a disjointed feel between midfield play. Both Milan Iloski and Jovan Lukic seem slightly off the pace in possession. But it’s the wastefulness in front of goal that is the most glaring problem. The Union are still suffering from the loss of the attacking threats of Kai Wagner and the absence of the injured Quinn Sullivan.

Overview

In coach Bradley Carnell’s press conference ahead of this match, he noted that there were a lot of positives to carry forward, particularly in the second half of the Club America game. The Union are strongest when they force opponents to go narrow in attack, while stretching them in defense.

If Phillipe Ndinga, who debuted last game, can begin pressing and threatening on the left flank, it might go a long way toward stretching defenses when the Union is in attack. Frankie Westfield has shown some strong play when he gets forward on the right. For an in-depth look at where the Union are this season, make sure to check out Tim Jones’s analysis, Philadelphia’s Poor Start .

New signing, Ezekial Alladoh, has looked dangerous intermittently up top, and Stas Korzaniowski has looked surprisingly strong. Damiani seems off the pace. If the midfield and the wings can provide some service, this Atlanta back line might be just the thing to get the Union scoring.

The Case for Cavan

Cavan Sullivan has shown that he can be a difference-maker in attack. He has the willingness to drive forward with the ball, an eye for a good pass, and the ability to make something seemingly out of nothing. Will he start, or is he part of Carnell’s Champions Cup squad?

Injury report: OUT: Eddy Davis III (quad); OUT: Quinn Sullivan (knee)

Key matchup: Alexey Miranchuk vs. Danley Jean Jacques

If Danley Jean Jacques or Jose Bueno can slow down Miranchuk and stifle the Five Stripes midfield play, the Union might prevail.

Player to Watch: Ezekiel Alladoh. He’s still waiting for his first MLS goal, and he’ll be hungry.

Prediction: Atlanta United 0 – 1 Philadelphia Union 

The Five Stripes’ attack seems to be finding its form, but their back line remains a question mark. Yes, it’s a battle for the bottom, but both teams started with strong expectations for a good season, and they have too much skill and pride to stay down for long. And wins have a way of creating their own positive momentum.