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We’re back, ladies and gentlemen! Three long months after Zack Steffen’s heroics ended their MLS Cup dreams, Atlanta United returns to the field today to prepare for their sophomore season.
The first of four warm-up games see the Five Stripes visit First Tennessee Park and new USL expansion (soon to be MLS) side Nashville SC. This will be the first opportunity for fans to see the most of the team’s new and exciting acquisitions in action. Ezequiel Barco and Darlington Nagbe will almost assuredly play at least a half with Tata Martino’s first-choice XI. Unfortunately we’ll have to wait to see new full back Franco Escobar as he’s one of three players (Tito Villalba, Michael Parkhurst) being held out of the match with minor knocks.
It’s exciting to see the team back in action, but it’s also important to remember what the purpose of these matches is. All that matters is that the players are getting fit, gaining chemistry and stay healthy through these four matches. Style of play is nice but don’t get too worried if you see some sloppiness. Same goes for results. If they don’t win every match, it’s not the end of the world.
Lineups
Atlanta United’s lineup:
#ATLUTD's starting XI for today's preseason match against @NashvilleSC pic.twitter.com/8NzUwecqaq
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) February 10, 2018
Nashville SC’s lineup:
Here is the FIRST starting lineup in Nashville SC history! #OurTownOurClub pic.twitter.com/lBOYZ4viJk
— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) February 10, 2018
How to Watch/Listen
Kickoff Time: 4:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. CT
Available TV: WUXP MyTV30 (Nashville local only)
Available Streams: Atlanta United Facebook and YouTube Channels
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game w/Mike Conti (play-by-play) and Jason Longshore (commentator)
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