When Atlanta United were in their infancy, more than a year from playing actual matches, talk about them emulating today’s opponent was rampant. Could they be the next Seattle Sounders? Well, so far so good. The club have 27,000+ season tickets sold and a very competitive roster heading into their first season. Expectations have rose so much that fans and some media members believe they’ll be the first expansion franchise to make the playoffs in their first year since the Sounders did in 2009.
The similarities between the two teams are many. From the NFL stadium they (will) play in to the big market feel you get from each. There’s no doubt that Arthur Blank and Darren Eales used the Sounders as a big inspiration when building Atlanta United from scratch.
Today’s Carolina Challenge Cup is a preview of the team’s week four MLS match. Both teams have absences and won’t be full strength, but it’ll still be a good test for United to see where they stand with their inaugural season just 11 days away. There’s no doubt that the Sounders will be one of the best teams in the league this season. Contending with the three-headed monster that is Jordan Morris, Clint Dempsey, and Nico Lodeiro will be a great test for the team’s work-in-progress backline.
Again, this is still a preseason match. If it doesn’t go Atlanta’s way it’s not indicative of what type of success they’ll see this season. Seattle are a great team just coming off their first MLS Cup in franchise history. If a team who has only played two friendlies together ever doesn’t look great against them, it’s not the end of the world.
Pre-match Reading: What to watch for, 3 Questions w/ Sounder at Heart
Atlanta United Lineup:
Today's Starting XI for #ATLUTD pic.twitter.com/eHLsqSQDm8
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) February 22, 2017
Seattle Sounders Lineup:
Here's today's #Sounders Starting XI, thanks to @Delta!
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 22, 2017
Watch the match live at 4:30 p.m. PT: https://t.co/giYIRPC3WE #CCC17 pic.twitter.com/UQ5jEkXF9V
How to Watch
Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: MUSC Health Stadium, Charleston, SC
Available TV: N/A
Available Streaming: atlutd.com, charlestonbattery.com
Available Radio: ESPNCoastal.com
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