17s Back at the Benz
Atlanta United fans, get ready — the 5-Stripes return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium this weekend as they continue their playoff chase. For the first time in September, 17s will flood into MBS, bringing the energy that only Atlanta can deliver.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET against Columbus Crew, a matchup that always brings drama. Some Atlanta players arrive fresh off international duty, while others stayed home in the 404 to train for this crucial fixture.
Almirón Returns, Hibbert Stays Hot
One of the biggest headlines? Miguel Almirón is back. The Paraguayan star helped his national team qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the break and will captain Atlanta United tonight from the No. 10 role. He’s sitting on 25 career goals for the club, just one shy of Thiago Almada for second place in franchise history.
Another key storyline is between the posts. Jayden Hibbert, fresh from duty with the Canadian National Team, has been in fantastic form. The 21-year-old has two consecutive clean sheets and hasn’t allowed a goal in his last 222 MLS minutes.
Atlanta United Starting XI vs Columbus Crew
Starting XI:
Jayden Hibbert; Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Pedro Amador; Steven Alzate, Tristan Muyumba; Miguel Almirón (C), Saba Lobjanidze, Luke Brennan; Jamal Thiaré
Reserves: Brad Guzan, Brooks Lennon, Nyk Sessock, Juan Berrocal, Will Reilly, Cooper Sanchez, Alexey Miranchuk, Cayman Togashi, Leo Afonso
Key Roster Notes
- Miguel Almirón: 25 career goals, one away from tying Thiago Almada (2nd in club history).
- Jayden Hibbert: 222 minutes without conceding in MLS; seeking his third straight clean sheet.
- Saba Lobjanidze: Leads the team with seven assists in MLS this year, closing in on his career-high of eight.
- Head-to-Head: Atlanta is 4-4-2 at home vs. Columbus, outscoring them 15-13.
- Recent Form: The 5-Stripes have back-to-back clean sheets vs Toronto FC and Nashville SC — something they last achieved in 2019.
- Unavailable: Bartosz Slisz (yellow-card suspension), Jay Fortune, Matt Edwards, and Emmanuel Latte Lath (injuries).
What This Means for the 5-Stripes
This matchup is more than just another regular season game. With playoff positioning on the line, Atlanta United will need to:
- Control the midfield: Steven Alzate and Tristan Muyumba will be vital without Slisz anchoring.
- Take advantage of pace: Luke Brennan and Saba Lobjanidze must stretch Columbus’ backline to create space for Jamal Thiaré.
- Ride Hibbert’s hot form: If the young Canadian continues his clean sheet streak, Atlanta has every chance of securing three points.
Final Word
The atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be electric as the 5-Stripes chase a critical win in front of the 17s. With Almirón leading the charge and Hibbert’s form in net, Atlanta has all the ingredients to make this a memorable night.
.
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.