Atlanta United is looking for a third consecutive victory Sunday night, and Tata Martino is making another significant change to his back line to help make it happen.
Ahead of the club’s second home match since returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Paulo Díaz will make his first Atlanta United start as the 5-Stripes take on Sporting Kansas City. The Chilean international joins fellow new addition Júnior Alonso in central defense, giving Atlanta a new-look pairing in the heart of the back line.
The 7 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday Night Soccer gives Atlanta an opportunity to build on back-to-back victories and continue the positive momentum that has begun to develop around the club.
Paulo Díaz Gets His First Opportunity in Atlanta
Atlanta United supporters will get their first look at Díaz as a starter in front of the 17s at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Chilean center back, who was signed during the summer transfer window, steps into the lineup alongside Alonso as Martino continues integrating new pieces into his squad.
The move comes at an important time for Atlanta. The 5-Stripes have shown renewed confidence over their last two matches, grinding out consecutive 2-1 wins and creating a belief that the club may be finding its footing at the right time.
ASN recently looked at Atlanta’s growing momentum heading into the Sporting Kansas City match, including the leadership emerging throughout the squad and the confidence surrounding the team’s recent performances. Atlanta United Looks for Third Straight Win as Sporting Kansas City Visits Mercedes-Benz Stadium explored why the 5-Stripes remain focused on taking their playoff push one game at a time.
Lucas Hoyos retains his place in goal following a string of impressive performances, while Tomás Jacob and Elías Báez continue at the fullback positions. Jacob, in particular, has become an increasingly important part of Atlanta’s recent run, both defensively and going forward.
Almirón and Miranchuk Chase Atlanta United History
While Díaz’s first start headlines the changes at the back, two of Atlanta’s biggest attacking stars enter Sunday night’s match with club history within reach.
Miguel Almirón, wearing the captain’s armband, is one assist away from becoming Atlanta United’s all-time leader in assists. The Paraguayan playmaker tied Brooks Lennon’s club record of 41 assists after setting up the winning goal in Atlanta’s most recent victory.
Almirón’s return to Atlanta has once again made him one of the central figures in the 5-Stripes attack, and another assist Sunday night would give him a record all his own.
Meanwhile, Alexey Miranchuk is chasing a different piece of history. The Russian international has recorded an assist in four consecutive matches, tying the longest streak in Atlanta United history set by Héctor Villalba in 2018. One more consecutive game with an assist would put Miranchuk alone at the top of the club’s record books.
The midfield also continues to feature some of Atlanta’s emerging young talent. Adrian Gill earns his third consecutive start after making his First Team debut just last weekend. The 20-year-old impressed against the New York Red Bulls, completing 41 of his 43 pass attempts and showing the composure that has quickly earned him more opportunities.
ASN has continued to follow the club’s youth movement and changing roster as Atlanta integrates new faces and develops its next generation of contributors.
Muyumba Brings a Rare Scoring Streak Into Sunday Night
Perhaps no Atlanta United player enters the match in better form than Tristan Muyumba.
The French midfielder has scored in each of his last three matches, an extraordinary run for a player who is more commonly known for his defensive and midfield responsibilities. Before his current streak, Muyumba had scored just three goals during his Atlanta United career.
His recent surge was recognized around MLS when he was named to the league’s Team of the Matchday, while teammate Tomás Jacob also earned recognition after his spectacular goal against Minnesota.
Tristan Muyumba’s red-hot run is giving Atlanta United another attacking weapon as the 5-Stripes search for ways to continue producing goals and results during the final stretch of the season.
With Adrian Gill, Muyumba and Cooper Sanchez forming the midfield, Atlanta will once again rely on its energy and creativity to control the middle of the field. Up front, Almirón, Miranchuk and Fafa Picault provide the attacking firepower.
Atlanta United Starting XI vs. Sporting Kansas City
Atlanta United’s starting lineup features:
Lucas Hoyos; Tomás Jacob, Júnior Alonso, Paulo Díaz, Elías Báez; Adrian Gill, Tristan Muyumba, Cooper Sanchez; Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (C), Fafa Picault.
The substitutes are Jayden Hibbert, Ronald Hernández, Matt Edwards, Enea Mihaj, Stian Gregersen, Will Reilly, Steven Alzate, Luke Brennan and Sergio Santos.
Atlanta enters the night with a 2-1-1 all-time record against Sporting Kansas City in MLS competition. Sunday marks just the fifth league meeting between the two clubs, but for the 5-Stripes, the importance of this match goes far beyond the history of the series.
A third straight win would continue Atlanta’s climb and provide another major boost to a group that is beginning to rediscover its confidence.
With a new center-back pairing, two playmakers chasing club records and a midfielder scoring like a striker, there will be plenty for the 17s to watch when the lights come on at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Community Spotlight: Protecting Metro Atlanta Homes and Communities
A strong team starts with a solid foundation, and Sunday night’s new-look Atlanta United defense will be focused on exactly that—protecting its ground and giving the 5-Stripes a platform to build from.
That same focus on preparation and protection matters for homeowners and communities across Metro Atlanta. Superior Stormwater Management provides stormwater solutions designed to help property owners address drainage challenges, manage runoff and protect the spaces they have worked hard to build and maintain.
Heavy rain and changing weather can create challenges long after the final whistle, which is why proactive stormwater planning and effective drainage solutions can make a meaningful difference for homes and properties. As Atlanta United continues its push forward on the field, Superior Stormwater Management is proud to serve the Metro Atlanta community with solutions focused on helping properties stay prepared.
If you’re dealing with drainage or stormwater concerns at your property, learn more about Superior Stormwater Management and its services at Superior Stormwater Management.
What This Means for Atlanta United
Sunday night is another opportunity for Atlanta United to prove that its recent momentum is more than just a brief run of good form.
Paulo Díaz’s first start represents another step in the evolution of the squad, while Almirón and Miranchuk have the chance to write their names even deeper into Atlanta United history. Add Muyumba’s remarkable scoring streak to the equation, and the 5-Stripes have plenty of reasons to believe they can make it three wins in a row.
Can Atlanta United keep the streak alive? Share your match predictions and join the conversation with Atlanta Soccer News.
For the latest Atlanta United news, match coverage and soccer stories from across Georgia, keep following Atlanta Soccer News.
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.