The “never say die” spirit of the 2018 championship era seems to be flickering back to life in Frisco, Texas. On Wednesday afternoon, Atlanta United orchestrated a masterful second-half turnaround to defeat Red Bull New York 3-2 at Toyota Stadium. After a sluggish first half that saw the Five Stripes trailing by two goals, a flurry of pressure forced two own goals before DP forward Emmanuel Latte Lath delivered the decisive blow in the 76th minute.
The victory improves Atlanta’s 2026 preseason record to 2-0-1, providing a massive injection of confidence as the club prepares for the Torneo de Tejas finale this Saturday. For local fans watching the “Tata Martino 2.0” project unfold, the resilience shown against a high-pressing Red Bulls side is a promising sign that the tactical identity of the team is finally crystallizing.
Second-Half Surge Erases Early Deficit
The match began as a nightmare for the Atlanta backline. Red Bull New York’s high-octane press forced early turnovers, leading to a 17th-minute opener from Jorge Ruvalcaba. The lead doubled in the 36th minute when young phenom Julian Hall capitalized on a defensive miscommunication. Going into the locker room down 2-0, it looked as though Atlanta’s experimental preseason rotation was being thoroughly “Red Bulled.”
Everything changed at the half. Martino introduced the “Big Three”—Miguel Almirón, Saba Lobjanidze, and Emmanuel Latte Lath—and the dynamic of the match shifted instantly. The increased pace forced the RBNY defense into panicky clearances, resulting in two own goals in a three-minute span (63′ and 65′) to level the match.
The “Latte Lath” Factor
The comeback was punctuated by Emmanuel Latte Lath, who scored his second goal of the preseason in the 76th minute. The play was a textbook example of the vision Atlanta paid for: Saba Lobjanidze picked out a surging run from Lath, who clinicaly finished at the near post. Lath’s form is particularly encouraging given the recent departure of Jamal Thiaré to the Columbus Crew, leaving the Ivorian as the undisputed spearhead of the attack.
Tactical Notes and the Injury Report
While the win is a positive, the “Availability Report” continues to be a point of concern for supporters. Star playmaker Alexey Miranchuk was once again unavailable and remains listed as day-to-day. With the regular season opener against FC Cincinnati just over a week away, the medical staff is likely being overly cautious with the Russian international to ensure he is 100% for the national TV spotlight.
Atlanta United Starting XI vs. RBNY:
- GK: Jayden Hibbert
- D: Ronald Hernández, Enea Mihaj, Stian Gregersen, Matt Edwards
- M: Tomás Jacob, Tristan Muyumba, Will Reilly
- F: Trialist, Luke Brennan, Cayman Togashi
The second half saw a significant injection of quality with Steven Alzate and Juan Berrocal (the club’s new defensive signing) coming on to shore up the middle of the park.
What This Means: Building Momentum for Dallas
The win over RBNY proves that Atlanta has the offensive depth to change games even when the starters are rotated.
- Homegrown Growth: Seeing Luke Brennan and Matt Edwards start against a high-level MLS opponent is invaluable for their development ahead of a busy 2026 schedule.
- Defensive Cohesion: While the first half was shaky, the integration of Juan Berrocal in the final 30 minutes showed a much more settled defensive line.
- Preseason Standings: Atlanta is currently in a strong position to win the inaugural Torneo de Tejas trophy if they can secure a result in the finale.
Next Steps: The Tournament Finale
The Five Stripes will conclude their Texas stay with a marquee matchup:
- Vs. FC Dallas: Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1:00 PM ET. This “Valentine’s Day Massacre” (on the pitch, hopefully) will determine the winner of the tournament.
- How to Watch: While preseason streams can be elusive, check the official FC Dallas YouTube channel or MLS Season Pass on Apple TV for potential live coverage.
- Return to Atlanta: Following the Dallas match, the team returns to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground for final preparations.
Can Atlanta United go undefeated in Texas and bring home the Torneo de Tejas trophy? Is the Lath-Saba-Almirón trio the best front three in the Eastern Conference? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on social media!
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.