Venue:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Time:
7:30, 2/25
Watch:
Free on Apple TV
Predicted XI's
Atlanta:
(edit: chol and etienne are out with injury so Berry goes up top and Wiley on the wings.)
San Jose:
Atlanta United Preview:
The Five Stripe’s first game of the season, we may see some new faces. Luis Abram, the Peruvian center back coming in with high expectations may get some minutes, but don’t be surprised if Juanjo Purata gets the start. Highly rated winter signing winger Derrick Etienne has been dealing with an injury, but it’s tough to tell if the club was trying to make sure he’s match fit or if he will miss parts of the beginning of the year. If he does miss, Caleb Wiley will probably start wide. Recent addition Miguel Berry may play as well, but with how short of a time he’s had here, it may not happen. And of course, the player everybody’s talking about, Giorgos Giakoumakis won’t play on Saturday. His Visa isn’t ready yet. It’s also important to note that Santiago Sosa is suspended, and Ozzie Alonso and Tyler Wolff are out with injury. With the questions at the striker position this first game, it’s important to note that Machop Chol has been deployed as a No. 9 in preseason, but it’s entirely possible that if Berry doesn’t start Conway does. All in all, this is my predicted Starting XI for the Five Stripes:

San Jose Earthquakes Preview:
Offseason
The ‘Quakes made a few good moves this offseason. They brought in center back Jonathan Mensah from Columbus for $200k GAM with a possible $300k GAM in additional incentives. Mensah has been one of the best, most proven center backs in MLS in recent years. They also brought in Ecuadorian international midfielder Carlos Gruezo on a Designated Player deal and a club record $3M transfer fee. On top of this, they brought in Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel, who started 23 games for Brazilian giants and second place in Brasileiro Serie A in 2022, Internacional. The ‘Quakes also just signed defender Daniel Munie, a SuperDraft pick who will probably be depth, but did well in college.
Availability:
Center back Nathan suffered an ACL injury in preseason and is “out indefinitely.”
Players to watch:
Daniel:
10 clean sheets, less goals conceded than games played, 73 saves in 23 games, all in Brazil. Will be a very quality goalkeeper for San Jose.
Jonathan Mensah:
One of the better center backs in MLS in recent and also a player the Five Stripes are allergic to not conceding to, he’s definitely one to watch.
Miguel Traucao:
He’s a bit slow for a fullback but his passing and finishing is very good. Should be an interesting one to watch.
Carlos Gruezo:
DP midfielder coming from Bundesliga, had solid stats in MLS. He should be one to watch in the midfield, and will probably own that area of the pitch.
Cristian Espinoza:
Tied for 5th, 6th and 7th most assists in 2022 with Carles Gil and Kai Wagner. Espinoza is one of the most underrated playmaker in MLS. Very quality winger
Jeremy Ebobise:
Always had the ability but was often deployed as a winger, Ebobise had a breakout, 17 goal season. Will be a dangerous No. 9.
Score Prediction:
2-1, San Jose
The ‘Quakes back line and defensive midfield is pretty strong, and with Giakoumakis not at the 9, I could see the Five Stripes struggling to score. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Atlanta pull off two goals and get a draw, though. As for San Jose, Atlanta looks weak in terms of their defensive midfielders and center backs and will likely concede a few. If Abram starts that maybe changes, though.
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