Atlanta United vs FC Dallas: Match Preview

What better way to stop a six match winless run than against a team on a three match winning streak?

By David McFarland@DavidD_MC Sep 22, 2020, 9:05am EDT

Game after game, loss after loss, Atlanta United’s 2020 looks bleaker than ever. It’s been seven games since Stephen Glass took over as interim head coach following Frank de Boer’s departure, and bar one night of magic from Pity Martinez (remember him?), it’s the same story over and over again. The next installment in the series may be the worst, however. The Five Stripes welcome one of the most in-form teams in the league, FC Dallas, to Mercedes-Benz Stadium Wednesday evening.

Dallas is on a three match winning run, and has lost just once in its last nine outings. That’s shot the Texan side all the way up to 3rd in the Western Conference on 19 points, two out of the top spot. Recent acquisitions have played a big part in that. Forward Franco Jara has notched four goals in his last three appearances, while playmaker Andres Ricaurte is certainly one to watch out for Wednesday. The 28-year-old made an instant impact in Frisco, with a goal and an assist already to his name in just three games. “Luchi” Gonzalez’ side has had to deal with one recent departure, with Reggie Cannon making the jump to Europe via Boavista in Portugal. Even so, Dallas is a very well-rounded team, and is a tough opponent for any team, let alone one of the worst in the league.

Speaking of which, our beloved Five Stripes are tied for 25th place in the league’s combined table. Fun times, right? Following a disappointing if unexpected 2-1 loss to Inter Miami, Atlanta finally slipped out of a playoff spot on goal differential and is now six games without a win. There have been no signs of improvement during Stephen Glass’ tenure. With still over 10 matches left of the expected schedule, will there be any signs of hope to come or will it be more of the same?

Predicted Starting XIs