Atlanta United FC is set to field the same starting lineup for the second consecutive match as they face San Jose Earthquakes, a move that head coach Tata Martino hopes will bring greater consistency to the team. The club made only one change on the reserves list from last week.
Lucas Hoyos, Elías Báez, and Tomás Jacob, who debuted in the previous match, are again included in the starting XI. The defense features Enea Mihaj and Juan Berrocal at center back and Ronald Hernández at full back alongside Báez. This defensive unit conceded two late goals in their first match but held firm for most of the game.
Tomás Jacob continues his versatile role in defensive midfield, occasionally moving into fullback or center back positions depending on possession needs. His adaptability is expected to benefit Martino’s tactical approach.
The midfield pairing of Steven Alzate and Cooper Sanchez brings balance to the team. Sanchez noted during media availability that he aims to convert more forward passes into assists and create scoring opportunities.
Up front, Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Saba Lobjanidze form an unchanged attacking trio. San Jose Earthquakes allowed 63 goals last season, which was among the highest in their conference.
The complete starting XI for Atlanta United against San Jose Earthquakes is: Lucas Hoyos, Ronald Hernández, Juan Berrocal, Enea Mihaj, Elías Báez, Tomás Jacob, Steven Alzate, Cooper Sanchez, Saba Lobjanidze, Miguel Almirón (captain), and Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Reserves include Jayden Hibbert, Stian Gregersen, Pedro Amador, Matt Edwards, Tristan Muyumba, Adrian Gill, Alexey Miranchuk, Luke Brennan, and Cayman Togashi.
“Atlanta United is preparing to start the same XI of players as matchday 1. The 5-Stripes named the same XI in consecutive league matches only once all season last year September 20-27.”
“Cooper Sanchez starts for a second consecutive match. The Homegrown midfielder became the youngest Atlanta United player to start a season opener in club history Feb. 21 when he featured in the midfielder against FC Cincinnati.”
“The 5-Stripes had two players with more than 90% passing completion in their season opener. Steven Alzate and Juan Berrocal were both above the mark, two players brought in during the Secondary Transfer Window last summer.”
“Alexey Miranchuk will begin on the bench for 5-Stripes for the second time this season. He played 17 minutes off the bench against FC Cincinnati and may be in line for more this time out. He expressed his comfort level in media availability this week, saying he’s feeling healthy after dealing with an injury in the preseason.”
“Atlanta United will face San Jose Earthquakes for just the fifth time in their history. The 5-Stripes are 4-0-0 in those matches.”
“The last time Atlanta United played away at San Jose, in September 2018, was one of the most memorable matches in club history. Josef Martínez’s 95th minute goal capped off a comeback and a 4-3 win for the 5-Stripes.”
Atlanta United FC operates out of Atlanta, Georgia as part of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference (official website). The team won several trophies including MLS Cup (2018), U.S. Open Cup (2019), and Campeones Cup (2019) (official website).
