Atlanta United returns to action Sunday against Western Conference opponent FC Dallas for the first meeting between the two clubs and the first match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both teams currently sit in the sixth and final playoff spot in their respective conferences. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 3:30 p.m. EST and will be televised nationally on FS1.
Atlanta sold out each of its nine matches this season at Bobby Dodd Stadium, posting a 6-2-1 record, and is currently riding a six-game home unbeaten streak into the first match in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta is coming off a 2-2 draw at Philadelphia Union on August 26. After conceding two goals in the 18‘ and 23‘ minutes, Atlanta midfielder Yamil Asad netted his third goal of the season in the 26‘ to cut the deficit in half. Striker Josef Martinez drew a red card on Union defender Joshua Yaro in the 52‘ after the Venezuelan was brought down in an effort to prevent a 1 v 1 opportunity with goalkeeper Andre Blake. Atlanta struck late when substitute Tyrone Mears scored the game-tying goal on a Van Persie-esque diving header in stoppage time to escape with a crucial road point.
FC Dallas travel to Atlanta following a 2-2 home draw against New York Red Bulls. Dallas played down a man from the 37′ on after Jacori Hayes picked up a second yellow card. Sacha Kljestan gave New York the lead in the 43′ but Dallas defender Hernan Grana equalized in the 54‘. Aaron Long quickly re-took the lead for the visitors three minutes later, but a Mauro Diaz penalty in the 75‘ tied the match and earned Dallas a point.
MATCH INFORMATION
Sunday, Sept. 10| Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia| 3:30 p.m. (EST)
Atlanta United (10-8-6, 36 points) vs. FC Dallas (9-7-10, 37 points)
TV: FS1
Talent: John Strong (play-by-play), Brad Freidel (analyst) and Katie Witham (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)