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Atlanta United vs. Minnesota United Clash as Crucial Details Surface
History of the Series and the Most Recent Meeting
Atlanta United has a 4-1-0 record (W-L-T) and leads the series all-time. These two teams haven’t played each other in Major League Soccer since back in 2019. At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United’s little tactical change resulted in a 3-0 shutout.
The two teams have an intriguing, although somewhat entwined, history together; they are the 22nd and 23rd expansion clubs in the league, respectively, from Atlanta and Minnesota; they both began playing Major League Soccer in 2017 and are both called “United.” These clubs have most notably met at important times. At TCF Bank Stadium, in the notorious “snow game,” Atlanta United defeated Minnesota 6-1 in their home debut. In the 2019 U.S. Open Cup final, the teams also squared off. Atlanta prevailed 2-1 to lift the trophy.
Current Form
After a strong start to the season, Atlanta United struggled in April, losing four straight games. The 5-Stripes did manage a draw against Philadelphia Union, a formidable Eastern Conference opponent, and recorded their third clean sheet of the year last weekend. They also managed to pick up two points on the road with draws in New York and Chicago. The Loons, meanwhile, have already achieved five victories and some impressive outcomes in 2024, including a 2-0 triumph against LAFC, the Western Conference champion from the previous season, and a 1-1 tie against the reigning MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew. Minnesota United is coming off two straight victories, including a shutout of Charlotte FC 3-0, going into this encounter.
Participants to Watch
The Atlanta United’s Caleb Wiley – The Homegrown fullback was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday after scoring the Goal of the Month in April with a long-range rocket in the 2-2 draw with Philadelphia. This season, Wiley and his right-hand partner Brooks Lennon have started eight games and have been a reliable presence in the backline despite the frequent changes in the center back lineup. A strong performance from the 19-year-old, who is a local favorite, on either end of the field will guarantee Mercedes-Benz will be rocking on Saturday night.
Tani Oluwaseyi (Minnesota United): The St. John’s University product was selected by Minnesota in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, and the team is off to a strong start this year. With four goals, Canadian-Nigerian Oluwaseyi leads the Loons in scoring. The 6-foot-2 attacker can finish from behind the defense, as evidenced by his most recent goal in Minnesota’s 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City. He is also dangerous in aerial duels.
