Atlanta United returns to action tonight (Tuesday) as it hosts Western Conference opponent San Jose Earthquakes for the first meeting between the two clubs. The match is the eighth straight sellout at Bobby Dodd Stadium and Atlanta enters the match riding a four-game home winning streak. Atlanta is currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 27 points and is tied for the MLS lead with 35 goals. San Jose is in fourth place in the Western Conference with 26 points. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 7:00 p.m. EST and will be televised on FOX Sports South.
Atlanta is coming off a 2-0 win at Columbus on July 1. Tito Villalba netted his second brace of the season, his first coming during the 2-2 draw at Toronto FC on April 8. Villalba’s first goal began when goalkeeper Alec Kann cleared a back pass into Columbus’ half of the field. Josef Martinez battled for position with defender Jonathan Mensah, which allowed the ball to drop behind Crew SC’s defense. Villalba ran on to the loose ball and poked it past goalkeeper Zack Steffen in the 27th minute. Atlanta doubled its lead in the 64th minute after Miguel Almirón darted down the left side of the Columbus penalty area and sent a high cross intended for Martinez. The ball bounced to an unmarked Villalba where he smashed home his second of the night.
San Jose won the California Clasico 2-1 over LA Galaxy on July 1 in Stanford Stadium. Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme opened the scoring in the 11th minute when he buried a volley from just outside of the six-yard box after Jose Villarreal’s free kick. The Earthquakes equalized in the 75th minute from captain Chris Wondolowski and later stole the match in stoppage time when Shea Salinas scored in the 90+3 minute.
MATCH INFORMATION
Tuesday, July 4 | Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia| 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Atlanta United (8-7-3, 27 points) vs. San Jose Earthquakes (7-6-5, 26 points)
TV: FOX Sports South
Talent: Alan Green (play-by-play), Dan Gargan (analyst) and Brittany Arnold (sideline reporter)
English Radio: 92.9 The Game
Talent: Adam Schick (play-by-play) and Jason Longshore (commentator)
Spanish Radio: La Mejor 1600 AM
Talent: Armando Carillo (play-by-play) and Daniel Cantu (commentator)