MARIETTA — The Five Stripes were back on the pitch in metro Atlanta again, but this time on the team’s field at its training facility in Marietta instead of at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That will have to wait till Saturday, Feb. 22 when Atlanta hosts CF Montreal (7:30 p.m.).
On Saturday, Feb. 15, the love was still in the air on Valentine’s Day weekend when Atlanta United hosted FC Dallas in a preseason match on the show pitch at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground.
During three 45-minute periods of play, Atlanta outscored Dallas behind goals from Saba Lobjanidze and Edwin Mosquera. Atlanta dominated the match defensively with defenders Derrick Williams, Ronny Hernandez, and Matt Edwards playing the majority of the minutes. Both Atlanta goalkeepers, starter Brad Guzan and his backup Josh Cohen saw time during the rainy, foggy day of play. Each gave up a goal during their time on the field.
Both sides are coming into the 2025 Major League Soccer season with several new additions to the roster, including their respective managers. Atlanta United’s new manager Ronny Deila has been with the club for close to two months now and has managed a handful of preseason matches. The expectations for Atlanta will be high this year with the additions of former club star and Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron and Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, and the return of the core of last year’s squad, which includes Guzan, Lobjanidze, and striker Jamala Thiare.
Latte Lath played a portion of the second half and all of the third 45-minute period. Deila said he looked good and knew what to do. He is more concerned with Latte Lath getting comfortable for the long season ahead.
“I think he looked good, created chances, and worked hard. He’s going to be another asset to our squad,” Deila said.
The manager added that Latte Lath getting to know his teammates and getting settled with his family is the most important thing at this point. During the final 45 minutes of play, Lath took several shots at the Dallas goal and displayed his speed and offensive aggressiveness that led to his scoring 11 goals in 29 matches in the Championship this season.
Dallas manager Eric Quil comes to a team with 15 new players, including veteran defenders Shaq Moore, Lalas Abubakar, and winger Leo Chu. Former MLS Next Pro signings, Brazilian midfielder Pedrinho, and a pair of 18-year-olds Diego Garcia and Malachi Molina, also from MLS Next side North Texas SC, are also on this year’s roster.
Following the match, Deila addressed the media about his team’s play and what they have planned for the coming week leading to the season opener. During the 10-minute press gathering near the sideline of the pitch, Deila praised his team’s defensive effort. He said the Atlanta United fan base should be excited about what is to come beginning next Saturday.
“They should expect that we are going to leave everything on the field,” Deila said. “We want to win, we want to entertain, but first of all we have our opponent, and that will always be top, of course.”
Asked if he is ready to experience the scene inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a Saturday night season opener, Deila’s ice-blue eyes lit up.
“I’m just looking forward to meeting them and getting started,” Delia said.
This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with The Atlanta Voice.
