ATL Standard

After a double matchweek on the road against D.C. United and St. Louis CITY SC, Atlanta United will be back at home for their last match of June. On Saturday, June 19, they will face off against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 5-Stripes managed to secure four out of six points while away and aim to maintain their strong performance at home.

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan and homegrown Noah Cobb spoke to local media on Tuesday about the recent positive results on the road, the growth of Atlanta United's homegrown players, and preparations for Toronto amid a busy schedule.

The 5-Stripes now hold a record of 2-0-1 in their last three road matches. A team typically dominant at home has found recent success playing away. During media availability, goalkeeper Brad Guzan emphasized that replicating that success at home involves creating “more good chances than you are giving up.”

Guzan acknowledged the challenge of limiting opposition opportunities throughout a busy season. Starting with the match against Toronto, Atlanta United is set to play six matches in 18 days.

“One of the most important things is being able to rest and recover mentally and physically. So that when you step on the field for the next game, you are ready to go,” said Guzan regarding maintaining focus during a congested schedule.

With injuries and roster changes, every player has needed to step up for continued good results. A significant part of Atlanta’s backline now comprises homegrown players. Against St. Louis, Atlanta featured a backline including Caleb Wiley, Efrain Morales, Derrick Williams, Noah Cobb, and Brooks Lennon—three of whom have been with the organization since their teenage years.

“It is exciting to see them take that next step in terms of performing and playing at high level,” said Guzan about the young players' growth.

From his beginnings as a rookie to becoming an MLS veteran with international experience representing his country multiple times since his debut on February 19, 2006 against Guatemala, Guzan's career has been noteworthy. He was part of USMNT squads for two World Cups and several CONCACAF Gold Cups among other tournaments.

Noah Cobb highlighted his journey through Atlanta United’s system starting from U-12 when discussing playing alongside fellow homegrowns like Caleb Wiley and Efraín Morales.

“I think it’s really cool because we have known since we were like 14 or 15,” said Cobb about his teammates from youth academy days.

Cobb made his second consecutive start in March against Chicago Fire FC—the last time Atlanta won at home despite strong away performances since then.

“Yeah, I think it's just bit of a mentality thing...at times if there's a spell in the game where the other team has the ball we might get discouraged," said Cobb regarding maintaining consistency between away games’ fight mentality versus aiming dominance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium games.

Atlanta United seeks its first home win since March this Saturday against Toronto FC; fans can catch all action including kickoff at 7:30 p.m., available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

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