Atlanta United is looking to turn one big home win into a run of positive results, and Adrian Gill will get another opportunity to help make it happen.
Fresh off a composed MLS debut in Saturday’s 2-1 comeback victory over Red Bull New York, Gill has earned head coach Tata Martino’s trust and will make his second consecutive start Wednesday night against Minnesota United. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET as the 5-Stripes look to reverse their recent struggles away from home.
The start comes just days after Gill impressed in his first MLS appearance, completing 41 of 43 passes against New York while helping Atlanta control the midfield during its comeback victory.
Adrian Gill Gets Another Chance to Shine
Gill will line up alongside Tristan Muyumba and Cooper Sanchez in the Atlanta midfield. Muyumba enters the match in particularly strong form after scoring in each of his last two appearances, including the equalizer against the Red Bulls.
The midfield trio will be tasked with helping Atlanta deal with a Minnesota side that will look to make the match physical and capitalize on transition opportunities.
Gill’s rapid rise into the starting lineup is one of the biggest storylines for Atlanta. After spending much of the season with Atlanta United 2, the 20-year-old has quickly shown Martino that he can handle the demands of MLS.
His second straight start provides another important opportunity to build confidence and establish himself as an option for the first team.
Almirón Chasing Atlanta United History
There is also history within reach for Atlanta captain Miguel Almirón.
Almirón enters Wednesday’s match just one assist away from becoming Atlanta United’s all-time assists leader. His assist on Fafa Picault’s game-winning goal against the Red Bulls brought him level with Brooks Lennon at 41 career assists for the club.
The Paraguayan will captain the 5-Stripes again and start alongside Alexey Miranchuk and Fafa Picault in Atlanta’s attack. Both Miranchuk and Picault contributed to Saturday’s comeback victory.
Defensively, Stian Gregersen returns to the starting lineup for the first time since July 25 against New England Revolution. He partners with new signing Júnior Alonso, while Tomás Jacob and ElÃas Báez start at fullback.
Lucas Hoyos will make his 20th MLS regular-season start in goal.
Community Spotlight: Building Better Spaces for Atlanta Families
Atlanta soccer is about more than what happens on the field. For families across Metro Atlanta, match days are opportunities to gather, celebrate, and create memories at home before and after supporting the 5-Stripes. Local businesses play an important role in helping those families make the most of the spaces where everyday life happens.
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For Atlanta soccer families looking to make their home more comfortable for game-day gatherings or simply ready for the next chapter, thoughtful remodeling can make a big difference. Learn more about Hayberg Restoration and its remodeling and construction services at haybergrestoration.com.
Atlanta United Starting XI vs. Minnesota United
GK: Lucas Hoyos
DEF: Tomás Jacob, Júnior Alonso, Stian Gregersen, ElÃas Báez
MID: Adrian Gill, Tristan Muyumba, Cooper Sanchez
FWD: Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (C), Fafa Picault
Reserves: Jayden Hibbert, Ronald Hernández, Matt Edwards, Enea Mihaj, Paulo DÃaz, Steven Alzate, Luke Brennan, Cayman Togashi, Sergio Santos
What This Means for Atlanta United
Wednesday’s match represents more than another road fixture for the 5-Stripes. Atlanta is trying to build momentum after finally returning to winning ways at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Gill’s continued presence in the starting XI gives Martino another look at a young midfielder who could become an important piece for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Muyumba’s recent scoring form and Almirón’s pursuit of the club’s assists record add additional intrigue to an Atlanta side that suddenly has several positive storylines developing at once.
The history between these clubs also makes the matchup particularly interesting. Atlanta has won three of the five previous meetings with Minnesota, including a memorable 6-1 victory in the Loons’ first-ever home match in 2017.
Wednesday will also mark Atlanta’s return to Minnesota after an extraordinary 3,063-day gap between road fixtures against the same opponent—the longest such gap in MLS history.
Now, the challenge is simple: take the energy from Saturday’s comeback and turn it into another three points.
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What do you think of Atlanta United’s starting XI against Minnesota? Let us know in the comments and share this story with fellow 5-Stripes fans.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.