Photo courtesy of Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Atlanta United

What: MLS Matchday 19

When: Saturday, August 1, 7:30 PM EST

Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

Watch: Apple TV

Whistle: Allen Chapman (REF), Chris Elliott (AR1), Eric Weisbrod (AR2), Rosendo Mendoza (4TH), Alexandra Billeter (VAR), Mike Kampmeinert (AVAR)

It’s a battle at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, as the 14th-place Philadelphia Union host 15th-place Atlanta United on Saturday evening. The Union have won two games in a row coming out of the World Cup break, and have generally played with more style and freedom than during their plodding first half of the season. Ryan Richter’s men will hope to keep that momentum going into the Leagues Cup next week.

This is the second meeting between the two sides this season; Atlanta United triumphed 3-1 over the visiting Philadelphia Union in March.

Scouting Report: Atlanta United

It’s been a long time since Atlanta United first entered MLS, when their enormous crowds and winning soccer made them the instant envy of the league. Atlanta United finished second to last in the league last season, and sit in dead last through seventeen games this year. And this despite bringing in club legend coach Tata Martino and midfielder Miguel Almiron in recent years in order to right the ship.

This season Atlanta’s main problem has been in the attack; the Five Stripes have scored just seventeen goals on the season, the fewest in the league. Alexey Miranchuk has been their most dangerous attacker so far with five goals and three assists in MLS play. The Russian international midfielder has good vision and a dangerous long-range shot.

One player I wouldn’t expect to see is Emmanuel Latte Lath. The Ivory Coast forward joined Atlanta United on a league record transfer fee before the 2025 season, but has just nine league goals since then and is reportedly seeking a transfer and has been held out of training this week. Old friend Fafa Picault started up top in his place last week against the New England Revolution.

Injury Report: Paulo Díaz (Out, not due to injury), Jay Fortune (Out, hamstring), Cooper Sanchez (Out, international duty), Sergio Santos (Out, calf)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

After an utterly disastrous first half of the season, the Philadelphia Union have shown a massive improvement through two games under interim head coach Ryan Richter. Young Homegrowns Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield and Niel Pierre have been at the heart of it, each playing major minutes with energy and confidence. This recent crop of talent is only cementing the Union academy’s prestige, and reaffirming Philly’s identity as a team that pushes its young talent into the lineup.

The Homegrowns have been aided by the returns of two Union fan favorites: Kai Wagner (from a brief transfer to Birmingham City) and Quinn Sullivan (who is working his way back into the lineup after recovering from an ACL tear suffered last September). However, a notable absence will be Olwethu Makhanya, as the young centerback was officially transferred to Rangers in Scotland this week.

Injury Report: None

Matchup to Watch: Miguel Almiron vs Frankie Westfield

Almiron has been playing on the left recently, where he will likely matchup against Westfield. The Paraguayan international may have lost a step in recent years, but it will still be a stiff test for the young defender.

Player to Watch: Quinn Sullivan

Quinn Sullivan’s dribbling out of midfield and wicked right foot were at the heart of many Union attacks last season. After two games off the bench, the older Sullivan brother could be ready to go from the start in this one. Whenever he is ready, Quinn will help to further unlock this Union attack.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2 – 0 Atlanta United

The Philadelphia Union’s strong form should see them past this struggling Atlanta United side.