Atlanta United limp home after a hard-fought draw with NYCFC to take on the most in-form team in MLS and the only unbeaten side remaining this season, the Philadelphia Union, on Sunday afternoon.
The injury woes have multiplied since the last time the Five Stripes stepped on the home field. Derrick Williams and Jamal Thiare have both picked up knocks that will keep them out for several weeks. With Stian Gregersen and Xande Silva already out of the equation for a bit and Giorgos Giakoumakis’ status up in the air, there are some major questions for Gonzalo Pineda to answer ahead of this tough matchup.
To prepare you for Sunday, I caught up with Joe Lister from Philadelphia Soccer Now. Here is what he had to say ahead of the match:
Rob: After Jim Curtin’s comments about Atlanta fans last year, our supporters have grown to hate the Union a bit more than a normal opponent. Do you see this matchup as a budding rivalry or at least one with potential?
Joe: I've seen the Union - Atlanta as a half-rivalry for some time now. I think the league should really lean into it more, I honestly think there's a lot of potential there. The teams have had some really entertaining matchups in recent years with great emotion. I think from a fan view and an objective view, this is totally a matchup with rivalry potential.
However, I wouldn't say it's a full rivalry yet. At least in Philadelphia, this has felt like a more intense game for a few years now, but it hasn't bubbled over like people thought it might. I'm not sure if Philadelphia will ever have a real rival, but Atlanta is definitely in its top three. Jim Curtin certainly seems ready to stoke the flames in this one, though.
Rob: How the heck are the Union so consistently good? It’s so annoying haha.
Joe: If you asked that question three weeks ago, I'd say you were crazy. Last year's team was really disappointing for fans, and the route to Pachuca and subsequent failures in MLS play had fans ready to call for the head of owner Jay Sugarman (that's still happening, but less so). I think the Union had the fortune, in some ways, of not spending a lot.
I think Sugarman should invest a lot more into the club -- spending is holding the Union back to some degree. However, big signings are volatile, and the Union have never had to base their entire identity on one big piece. Curtin has consistently coached a team of darn good players, but nobody who's going to challenge for league MVP too often. Curtin's a good coach, and he's gotten consistently good results out of his guys. I think Union fans would trade three seasons of pretty good soccer for one MLS Cup in 2022, but it's still nice knowing that the team has been better than most in the past years.
I'm not the biggest Curtin advocate out there, and I don't think he's the best coach in Major League Soccer. However, if he's coaching the Union, they're going to be contenders. That goes a long way in a league where a team can go from being Cincinnati to being Cincinnati in a matter of two seasons.
Rob: Put on your unbiased analyst hat for a second. What’s the blueprint for beating this Union team?
Joe: That's really tough to say. I think Atlanta's going to need two goals early and then need to lock down Quinn Sullivan and Julian Carranza on the attack. Those two aren't the totality of the Union's offense, but it's certainly a lot less effective without them. That being said, the Union have been really good at making comebacks this year. Until the final whistle blows, Atlanta's going to have to keep putting forth effort in this one.
The Union had a poor first half last match out against Nashville, that could be something to capitalize on again. However, it might come down to formation. I doubt we'll see three centerbacks on the pitch again so soon.
Projected Lineup: The Union should run a 4-4-2 with the midfield diamond formation, per usual.
Blake; Wagner, Glesnes, Elliott, Harriel; Martinez; McGlynn, Sullivan; Gazdag; Carranza, Uhre
Score Prediction: 2-1, Philadelphia. Atlanta's really good on both sides of the ball and has played some solid teams, but I think the Union are just too hot right now. They're the only team in MLS still unbeaten and are on a three-game winning streak. Never say never, but this is going to be really tough for Atlanta to win.
Huge thanks to Joe for taking the time to chat with me.
I don't know if I view philly as a rivalry but boy do I dislike their team.
Agree. I’m going into this one like I did the Columbus match. A little hopeful but doubting. Cobb needs Derrick back there. If Rios starts, we just don’t have the experience with him. Will Edwin finally get the start? We need some magic up there. Almada needs to show up and shine a little extra for this one.