The Philadelphia Union will host Atlanta United at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on August 1, a meeting that pits the 14th‑placed Union against the league’s bottom side, Atlanta, who sit 15th after seventeen games.
Philadelphia’s recent surge has been built on the momentum generated after the World Cup break, with interim coach Ryan Richter guiding the side to two straight victories. The surge has been powered by Homegrown talent — including Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield and Niel Pierre — who have begun to showcase the potential that once made the Union a youth‑development benchmark.
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Atlanta United, by contrast, have been unable to break down defenses, managing only seventeen goals all season, the fewest in MLS. Their most dangerous attacker, Alexey Miranchuk, has contributed five goals and three assists, while record signing Emmanuel Latte Lath has found the net just nine times since arriving. The club’s recent signings, such as Tata Martino and Miguel Almiron, have failed to spark a turnaround.
The upcoming fixture will also see the return of defender Kai Wagner and the much‑anticipated debut of Quinn Sullivan, who has recovered from an ACL injury and is expected to start. Sullivan’s pace and creativity could provide the Union with a new dimension, while Almiron will be charged with neutralizing Frankie Westfield on the left side of the field.
Adding a layer of intrigue, center‑back Olwethu Makhanya completed a transfer to Rangers in Scotland earlier this week, leaving a gap in the Union’s backline that will be tested against Atlanta’s limited attacking options.
Pundits have tipped Philadelphia to win 2‑0, citing their improved form, depth of youth talent, and the defensive solidity that has emerged under Richter. Atlanta, meanwhile, will be looking to salvage pride in a season that has yielded only a single win in their last ten matches.