Atlanta United returns to action Saturday night against Eastern Conference opponent Philadelphia Union for the first meeting between the two clubs. Atlanta enters the match in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 35 points and fifth in points per game through 23 matches. Philadelphia is ninth in the East with 30 points from 26 matches.
Atlanta United lost to D.C. United 1-0 on Wednesday, August 23 at RFK Stadium. After a scoreless first half, D.C. took the lead on an own goal from Michael Parkhurst in the 46th minute. Brad Guzan initially made a diving save on a 25-yard blast from Russell Canouse, but the rebound stayed in play, spinning along the end line to allow D.C. to keep the play alive. On the ensuing cross, Canouse’s headed attempt ultimately ricocheted off Parkhurst and into the back of the net. Guzan recorded a season-high six saves.
Philadelphia is coming off a 3-0 loss to the Eastern Conference’s top team in Toronto FC on Wednesday night at BMO Field. Sebastian Giovinco scored from a free kick in the 10th minute to hand the home side a 1-0 advantage. Nicolas Hasler extended Toronto’s lead in the 30th minute when his header from a corner kick struck the cross bar and fell into the net. Jozy Altidore sealed the win in the 57th minute after he received a pass from Victor Vazquez on the left side of the penalty area and calmly placed a shot by Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.
MATCH INFORMATION
Saturday, Aug. 26| Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, Pa.| 7 p.m. (EST)
Atlanta United (10-8-5, 35 points) vs. Philadelphia Union (8-12-6, 30 points)
TV: FOX Sports Southeast
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)