New Faces and Big Opportunities in Leagues Cup Lineup
As Atlanta United wraps up its 2025 Leagues Cup campaign, head coach Ronny Deila’s absence due to suspension opens the door for assistant coach Kenny Miller to make significant lineup changes for the Wednesday night clash vs Atlas FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET).
A mix of Homegrown players, recent First Team signings, and reliable veterans will take the pitch as the 5-Stripes aim to close out their Leagues Cup run with a statement performance.
Jayden Hibbert Back in Goal
Jayden Hibbert earns his second start of the season, following an impressive MLS debut on July 12 against Toronto FC, where he made four crucial saves and helped Atlanta earn a road point. The 18-year-old will be one to watch as the Five Stripes continue to develop their goalkeeping depth.
Nyk Sessock Makes First Career Start
Nyk Sessock, who signed a First Team contract earlier this week, will make his first-ever start for Atlanta United. The former Atlanta United 2 standout will line up at his natural right back position, offering energy and precise crossing ability.
He joins a reshuffled backline featuring:
- Stian Gregersen and Ronald Hernández at center back
- Brooks Lennon at left back
Sessock’s presence adds a new dynamic to the defense and reflects Atlanta’s investment in developing internal talent.
Read our feature on Sessock’s call-up and journey →
Midfield Blend of Youth and Experience
In midfield, Will Reilly earns his fourth start of 2025, joining Bartosz Slisz (captain) and Alexey Miranchuk, who leads all Leagues Cup players with nine key passes through two matches.
Miller praised Reilly’s work rate and defensive presence earlier this week, hinting that the 21-year-old is ready for more consistent minutes:
“He’s one of those players we’ve been alluding to that probably deserves that start… No doubt he can step in and do the job.”
Fresh Attacking Trio Takes the Field
Atlanta will roll out a new front three:
- Saba Lobjanidze – Recently recorded his 20th career assist for Atlanta United
- Jamal Thiaré – Physical presence and speed up top
- Luke Brennan – Young attacker with three recent starts, back in the XI after coming off the bench vs Pumas
This is the first time this trio has started together, offering a chance to build chemistry and push for attacking production.
Full Starting XI vs Atlas FC
Starting XI:
Jayden Hibbert, Nyk Sessock, Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Brooks Lennon, Bartosz Slisz (C), Will Reilly, Alexey Miranchuk, Saba Lobjanidze, Jamal Thiaré, Luke Brennan
Reserves:
Brad Guzan, Josh Cohen, Dominik Chong Qui, Sal Mazzaferro, Enea Mihaj, Cooper Sanchez, Tristan Muyumba, Leo Afonso, Cayman Togashi, Miguel Almirón
Roster Notes and Highlights
- First Meeting: This is the first competitive match between Atlanta United and Atlas FC, a club based in Guadalajara, Mexico founded in 1916.
- Sessock’s Start: Marks his first start after 14 appearances with Atlanta United 2.
- Assist Leaders: Miranchuk leads Leagues Cup in key passes; Lobjanidze is now one of seven players with 20+ assists in club history.
- Almirón Watch: Moved into third all-time in assists for Atlanta with his latest contribution vs Pumas.
- Mazzaferro Signing: Defender Sal Mazzaferro was signed to a Short-Term Agreement ahead of the match.
Read about Sal Mazzaferro’s first-team opportunity →
What This Means for Atlanta United
While the Five Stripes won’t advance to the Leagues Cup knockout stage, Wednesday’s lineup presents:
- A development showcase for Homegrown and 2s players
- A chemistry-building opportunity for key midfield and attacking partnerships
- A momentum builder ahead of the MLS stretch run
Your Turn: Which player are you most excited to watch in tonight’s starting XI? Join the conversation using #ATLUTD and #LeaguesCup and tag us @atlantasoccernews!
