Atlanta United announced on May 9 two changes to its starting lineup for the upcoming match against LA Galaxy, set for Saturday night. The team is seeking a fourth consecutive win before a near-three month break due to international competition.
The matchup is important as Atlanta United aims to maintain momentum heading into the hiatus. The club will face a strong LA Galaxy side, with both teams having met five times previously and no draws recorded between them. Atlanta has won three of those matches, including two at home.
Head coach Tata Martino said that this week’s preparations were aided by not having a midweek match for the first time in nearly a month. Elías Báez and Juan Berrocal are the new additions to the starting eleven compared to last week’s victory over CF Montréal. Stian Gregersen, Tomás Jacob, and Lucas Hoyos complete the backline, while Tristan Muyumba continues in midfield alongside Cooper Sanchez and Matías Galarza. Alexey Miranchuk captains the squad in Miguel Almirón’s absence, with Emmanuel Latte Lath and Saba Lobjanidze making their second straight starts up front.
The club highlighted that “Alexey Miranchuk captains the 5-Stripes, fresh off a brace of assists against CF Montréal May 2. The forward has a team-high 8 goal contributions this season across all competitions.” Additionally, “Both Miranchuk and Saba Lobjanidze are on 17 goals in all competitions for Atlanta United. Only six players in club history have reached 20 goals or more.” Lobjanidze was recognized with MLS Team of Matchday honors after his performance against Montreal.
Cooper Sanchez continues his run as starter: “The Homegrown became just the second Atlanta United player to record multiple MLS assists before the age of 19 and also scored his first career goal for the First Team in the Open Cup win at Charlotte April 28.” Meanwhile, Miguel Almirón remains out as he recovers from injury.
Atlanta United FC operates from Atlanta, Georgia as part of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference and captured several trophies including an MLS Cup in 2018 according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Atlanta United seeks another home victory before entering an extended break that could impact its position within Major League Soccer.
