Atlanta United vs. New York Red Bulls | 2020 MLS Match Preview

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 17
Atlanta United vs. New York Red Bulls
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta
October 10 – 6:00 PM ET

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; on DAZN in Canada

LOCAL TV: FOX Sports South, MSG

Atlanta United are looking to extend a unbeaten streak to a season-high three games and get a first-ever regular season win over the New York Red Bulls when the Eastern Conference rivals square off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Saturday night.

Atlanta (5W-8L-3D) are coming off a goalless draw against Orlando City SC at home Wednesday, while the Red Bulls (6W-8L-2D) suffered a 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami CF at Red Bull Arena Wednesday night

This is the second meeting this year with the Red Bulls claiming a 1-0 victory over the Five Stripes in the group stage of the MLS is Back Tournament with Florian Valot scoring the lone goal and David Jensen coming up with a stunning late save.

Atlanta United

Neither Atlanta nor Southeast rival Orlando were able to find the breakthrough goal as the sides shared the points Wednesday night in Atlanta. Brad Guzan made six saves, including a point-blank stop in the 86th minute to deny Junior Urso, while Miles Robinson and Anton Walkes also had quality chances pushed away by Brian Rowe on the other end.

Now it appears new Designated Player Marcelino Moreno is set to make his debut Saturday against the Red Bulls.

“You’re starting to seeing the confidence and competence in the group," technical director Carlos Bocanegra told reporters on a virtual press conference on Thursday. "We hope it’s a turning point for us, plus a much-needed offensive spark from Marcelino is going to be very much welcomed for us.”

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Josef Martinez (F) - ACL injury
- OUT: Cubo Torres (F) - knee sprain
- OUT: Matheus Rossetto (M) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Edgar Castillo (D) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Ezequiel Barco (M) - undisclosed injury
Suspended: Miles Robinson (D)
Suspended after next caution: Franco Escobar (D)
International duty: None

New York Red Bulls

It's now four losses in the last five games at Red Bull Arena for the Red Bulls after a 2-1 defeat to expansion side Inter Miami Wednesday night. Omir Fernandez opened the scoring early in the second half, but Miami equalized two minutes later and got the late winner on a free kick golazo from Gonzalo Higuain.

"We have a good squad, we have a string of players who can step up on the field," Bradley Carnell said after the match. "Just as much as players who played tonight will potentially be in on Saturday, we’re just looking for a bounce back effect. We know we have a good couple of results on the road, so we know it’s not impossible."