Nonstop Action: ATLUTD & Atlanta United 2 looking for 3 points this Weekend

Its another busy week for Atlanta United as the Five Stripes host NYCFC this evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the 2's host Chattanooga FC at Fifth Third Stadium on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Atlanta United vs NYCFC

Atlanta secured a point in a 2-2 draw on the road against FC Cincinnati last Saturday, and are back at the Benz for three straight home games.

NYC is also coming into the match after a 0-0 draw on the road against Columbus Crew. New York leads the series with an overall record of 5-4-8, and last season each time the two sides faced each other, the match ended in draws.

New York is a familiar face to Head Coach Ronny Deila. He was the head coach of NYC from 2020 to 2022 and led the team to be MLS Cup Champions in 2021. It will be a homecoming this evening for the Norwegian manager going up against his former club.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” said Ronny Deila this week in media about Saturday’s matchup. “At the same time, I’m not so focused on them. I’m more into what we are doing. I know when we are playing good, that they are also going to suffer, and that’s what they need to do when they come to our stadium.”

In every game this season, Atlanta has continued to improve and showing how strong this team is. Against a team like NYC, the Five Stripes will need to stay focused and keep the energy for 90 minutes.

“It's obvious a team is going to change at halftime,” Williams said. “The way we dominate games the first half, the manager is going to make changes. We have to be aware of those changes and adapt during the game.”

"We just need more consistent performances. That’s what we want,” Deila said. “The goal now is to get three wins in these home games.”

Pregame coverage will start at 6:30 p.m. with Abe Gordon and Madison Crews on 92.9 the Game and on the Audacy app. At 7:30 p.m., Mike Conti and Jason Longshore will take over.

Atlanta United 2 vs Chattanooga FC

After a small hiatus, the 2's are back at the proving ground to host Chattanooga FC.

Atlanta is coming off of a 2-2 draw against Orlando City B where Orlando took home the extra point. The 2's are entering Sunday's match with a record of 0-1-1.

The 2's welcomed a few new faces to the squad this year including defender, Sal Mazzaferro. Mazzaferro was with Austin II for two seasons before coming to Atlanta. He wore the captain's arm band in that match against Orlando as Javier Armas was out for an injury.

Jason Longshore caught up with Mazzaferro after 2's training on Thursday before their match against rivals, Chattanooga FC.

"They like the long balls in behind. They are a big, physical group," said Mazzaferro when asked about the matchup. "They got some older guys on the team, so we know for us we have to stand our ground and be ready to anticipate the balls from behind."

You can listen to the full interview tomorrow on the pregame show that will start at 3:00 p.m. on soccerdownhere.mixlr.com. We will then have the call for you at 3:30 p.m. live from Fifth Third Stadium.