Following a frustrating midweek loss to the Philadelphia Union, United are back at Audi Field ready to regroup as they host Atlanta United FC at 7:30 PM ET on Sunday, Sept. 2. Since joining the league in 2017, Atlanta have not yet won in the District, and the Black-and-Red are determined to keep it that way, and return to the win column, as the Five Stripes make their first visit to brand-new Audi Field.
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While United's four-game home win streak was snapped on Wednesday, the Black-and-Red have still enjoyed home field advantage since opening Audi Field, going 5-2-0 and riding the energy of their local fans to increase their quality of play as of late. The attack in particular has surged since July 14's inaugural match, as United have outscored their opponents 14-8 at Audi Field after struggling to score more goals than conceded in the first half of the season.
Atlanta are in prime positioning for an Eastern Conference playoff spot, sitting in second behind the New York Red Bulls with 54 points and one fewer game played. Sunday's three points may not be as pivotal for Atlanta, but they could have massive implications for a Black-and-Red side with the fewest games played in MLS and the playoff line within reach. United are two points behind the seventh-place New England Revolution, and six points behind the Montreal Impact, who currently occupy the final playoff spot in the East. Depending on New England's Saturday result versus Portland, a United win over Atlanta could propel D.C. up yet another spot in the standings, continuing their rise from the bottom of the conference.
The Five Stripes come to the District following a 2-1 win at Orlando City, where forward Josef Martinez scored his 28th goal of the season, breaking MLS' record for most goals in a single season. While Atlanta have defeated United in both prior matchups of 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Black-and-Red will hope their promising form at home, and their recent reacquisition of Bill Hamid, can help propel them to a positive result this weekend.
In 2017, Hamid defeated Atlanta in all three of his meetings with the league debutants, and played hero with a number of key saves that helped United ultimately reign victorious. After recently securing his 50th career MLS shutout and the first-ever shutout at Audi Field, Hamid will attempt to once again be the difference maker for D.C. against a difficult opponent. The goalkeeper enters Sunday following his strongest showing of the season since re-joining United—Hamid tallied five saves against the Union, his most saves in an MLS match since facing the Chicago Fire on Sept. 16, 2017.
Hamid, Steven Birnbaum, Russell Canouse, and Júnior Moreno have helped strengthen United's back line in recent weeks, now the offense will look to reignite the fiery chemistry that helped the Black-and-Red begin their climb up the standings.
United failed to score in New York last Sunday and against Philadelphia on Wednesday, but it wasn't for lack of chances in the final third. The Black-and-Red registered 14 shots against the Red Bulls and nine shots against the Union, including multiple attempts that were saved by only the crossbar or goalpost. Failure to convert on their attempts left United off the scoresheet, though, and the Black-and-Red will need to be sharper and more intentional in the final third as they try to upset that other United.
Add to your Labor Day Weekend plans and cheer the Black-and-Red to victory at Audi Field this Sunday!
