Atlanta United and head coach Tata Martino are preparing for their first home match of the MLS season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking the team’s return after more than four months away. This game also signifies Martino’s first time on the Atlanta touchline in over seven years since rejoining the club. The arrival of the season opener brings excitement as the team aims to create new memorable moments in front of their fans.
Miranchuk Among Key Changes in Starting Eleven
For this home fixture against Real Salt Lake, Martino and his coaching staff have made two notable adjustments to the lineup from last weekend’s away game in San Jose. Most prominently, designated player Alexey Miranchuk is selected to start for the first time this season. Miranchuk was Atlanta’s most consistent attacking presence last year, having started 31 MLS games and contributing to 10 goals during the 2025 campaign.
He will form part of a strike force comprised entirely of designated players, alongside captain Miguel Almirón and Emmanuel Latte Lath. The team, still seeking to score its first goal of the season, is counting on this attacking trio’s firepower to break the deadlock.
Midfield and Defensive Adjustments
Midfield sees Tristan Muyumba earn his first start of the season, joining returning players Steven Alzate and Cooper Sanchez. Muyumba has previously come off the bench in two matches this season to provide depth and energy.
In defense, Tomas Jacob assumes the right-back role, joining a backline that includes Enea Mihaj, Juan Berrocal, and Elías Báez. Goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos also returns to his position between the posts. Jacob’s early season performances have been impressive—he is one of the few MLS players since 2010 to win 20 duels and 7 tackles within his first two games, making him a key component of the defense facing a transition-prone Real Salt Lake squad.
Enea Mihaj has emphasized the importance of winning individual battles in this match, recognizing the challenge posed by their opponent.
Complete Starting Lineup and Bench for the Match
The starting lineup for Atlanta United against Real Salt Lake is:
Lucas Hoyos, Tomas Jacob, Juan Berrocal, Enea Mihaj, Elías Báez, Tristan Muyumba, Steven Alzate, Cooper Sanchez, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (Captain), Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Reserves include Jayden Hibbert, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Pedro Amador, Matt Edwards, Matías Galarza, Luke Brennan, and Saba Lobjanidze.
Additional Notes on Players and Team Prospects
This match represents Tata Martino’s home coaching debut since returning to Atlanta United, where he holds the highest home winning percentage (.737) among current MLS coaches with a minimum of 20 home games. Cooper Sanchez continues his consistent presence, making his third consecutive start and holding the record as the youngest Atlanta player to start a season opener.
Captain Miguel Almirón is on the verge of making club history; he currently has 35 assists and needs just two more to tie Brooks Lennon for the most assists in Atlanta United’s MLS regular season history, as well as four to match Lennon’s all-competitions record.
Midfielder Matías Galarza, a new Paraguayan loan signing, is included on the bench and could see his first appearance in an Atlanta uniform.
Atlanta United aims to become only the second MLS club to win seven consecutive home openers, having already accomplished six straight victories to start their seasons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Real Salt Lake represents Atlanta’s second straight Western Conference adversary this season. Historically, the 5-Stripes hold a 3-2-0 record against Real Salt Lake, triumphing in both previous home encounters.
Expectations and Outlook for the Season Opener
As Atlanta United hosts Real Salt Lake, the team displays hope and determination to end their early season scoreless run while reflecting on the challenges ahead. With Tata Martino back at the helm and key players like Alexey Miranchuk returning to the starting lineup, the 5-Stripes look poised to leverage their experience and talent in front of their home crowd. Success here could build momentum for the season and reinforce their standing as a formidable MLS contender.
