Sports stats



MLS Atlanta United FC

Match Preview: Atlanta United vs. Seattle Sounders FC

March 30, 2017 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release


On Friday, Atlanta United continue their inaugural season as they travel to the Pacific Northwest to face the 2016 MLS Cup Champions, Seattle Sounders. Atlanta have started the year strong with six points from their first three matches but this will surely be their toughest competition yet. Not only the home of the reigning champions, Seattle is also notorious for owning one of the loudest fan bases and toughest game environments for visiting teams to play in, leading the league in average attendance last year with over 42,000 spectators. The match kicks off at 10 p.m. ET and will be nationally broadcasted on FS1.

Atlanta's established fast and lethal attack that has garnered 11 goals so far this season will undoubtedly be on display Friday evening. However, the expansion side will be without the league's leading goal scorer, Josef Martinez, who picked up an injury in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier with Venezuela last week. Fortunately, Atlanta United have plenty of options up front to turn to including Yamil Asad, Miguel Almirón, Tito Villalba, and Jacob Peterson, who have all made their way onto the scoresheet this season.

Returning for Atlanta from their nations' FIFA World Cup Qualifiers are Carlos Carmona (Chile), Kenwyne Jones (Trinidad & Tobago), and Miguel Almirón (Paraguay). It's safe to say we can expect the same possession heavy, high pressing Tata Martino style regardless of the eleven on the field as they search for their third straight victory. Meanwhile the Atlanta United back line will try to register a clean sheet for the second match in a row.

Seattle have five Sounders returning from international duty including Joevin Jones (Trinidad & Tobago), Roman Torres (Panama), Nicolas Lodeiro (Uruguay), Jordan Morris (United States), and American hero, Clint Dempsey (United States), who notched four goals in U.S. Soccer's two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers this past week.

It's clear from the club's first three matches that head coach Brian Schmetzer has his Sounders playing a fast and fluid style of play, possessing arguably the most dangerous front line in the league. In addition to the caliber of the MLS Cup Champion side, there's no doubt the Sounder faithful will be in full force Friday night, so Atlanta will have their hands full to say the least.

With Seattle and Atlanta both having a number of players returning from international play, there's no telling what the starting lineups could look like. However, one thing is for sure, the two teams are coming off a bye week and searching for another early victory on the season, so expect nothing but a battle full of grit, tenacity, and determination. Friday's showdown in Seattle will be one you won't want to miss, make sure to follow all the action:

TV - FS1 or FOX Sports Go Radio - 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor Atlanta (Spanish) Play-by-Play - Atlanta United App Social Media - @ATLUTD Social Media Channels

Check out the Atlanta United FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from March 30, 2017


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central