Head coach Ronny Deila has selected a defensive lineup for Atlanta United’s upcoming match against Los Angeles FC, scheduled for Sunday night. All three available center backs—Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, and Juan Berrocal—will start together for the first time this season. The trio has collectively started 27 matches so far in 2025.
Deila and midfielder Alexey Miranchuk emphasized earlier in the week that a strong defense will be key to Atlanta United’s performance against LAFC. The three central defenders are expected to cover more ground along the back line and work to stop counterattacks from LAFC players Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga. Fullbacks Ronald Hernández and Pedro Amador are also set to play important defensive roles while potentially joining the attack.
In midfield, Bartosz Slisz and Steven Alzate will support Miranchuk, allowing him to push forward. However, Miranchuk noted after Friday’s training session that attacking players must also contribute defensively.
Up front, captain Miguel Almirón and Jamal Thiaré will lead the attack. Both are expected to capitalize on any turnovers by LAFC if they commit too many players forward. Thiaré is starting his fifth consecutive match for Atlanta United—a personal record in his MLS career—and leads the team in goals per 90 minutes with five goals this season.
Deila has made only one change to the starting lineup compared to their last game against New England Revolution. This maintains a level of continuity that he and his staff have aimed for throughout the season. Two of the starting center backs joined during the summer transfer window.
Miranchuk and Almirón are both making their 30th starts of the regular season, ranking first and second on the team in minutes played with a combined total exceeding 5,000 minutes.
Atlanta United and LAFC have met five times previously, with each team winning twice and one match ending in a draw. Atlanta last defeated LAFC in 2021; their first meeting was a 5-0 win for Atlanta in 2018.
This match marks the final appearance of Atlanta United’s Resurgens kit before introducing a new kit for the 2026 season.
The full starting XI: Jayden Hibbert, Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Juan Berrocal, Enea Mihaj, Bartosz Slisz, Steven Alzate, Pedro Amador, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (captain), Jamal Thiaré
Reserves include Brad Guzan, Josh Cohen, Dominik Chong Qui, Cooper Sanchez, Tristan Muyumba, Cayman Togashi, Leo Afonso, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Saba Lobjanidze.
“All three central defenders Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj and Juan Berrocal start together for the first time. The three have started a total of 27 matches this season.”
“Jamal Thiaré starts his fifth straight match for the 5-Stripes, a streak he’s setting for the first time in his MLS regular season career. Thiaré has racked up five goals in the 2025 MLS season and is first on the team in goals per 90 minutes this season.”
“Alexey Miranchuk and Miguel Almirón are set to make their 30th starts of the MLS regular season. The two are first and second on the 5-Stripes in minutes played this season, combining for over 5000.”
“Atlanta United and LAFC have faced off five times in their histories, and the series is split 2-2-1 (W-L-D). The 5-Stripes last won against the Black and Gold in 2021 and won the first ever matchup 5-0 back in 2018.”
“This match will be the final time Atlanta United wears its Resurgens kit. The club will have a new kit for the 2026 season.”
