Atlanta United’s biggest challenge this season is quickly becoming one of its most important strengths: depth.
The 5-Stripes will need every bit of it Saturday night when New York City FC visits Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
The timing isn’t ideal for Atlanta.
The match falls during a FIFA international window, with five Atlanta United first-team players away on international duty: Miguel Almirón, Alexey Miranchuk, Júnior Alonso, Paulo Díaz and Fafa Picault.
But instead of viewing those absences as a reason for concern, head coach Tata Martino pointed to the development of Atlanta United 2 and the depth throughout his roster as an opportunity.
And two players could be ready to make the jump.
Atlanta’s Depth Gets Its Moment
Martino identified Daniel Chica and Cameron Dunbar as Atlanta United 2 players who are in line to join the first team through Short-Term Agreements for Saturday’s match.
The timing couldn’t be better for the young players.
Both have been important contributors for Atlanta United 2 during a historic season that recently saw the club qualify for the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs for the first time in its history.
Now, Chica and Dunbar could get an opportunity to experience a First Team matchday.
With five regular first-team players unavailable, the possibility of one or both seeing minutes becomes very real.
More importantly, their potential involvement shows the connection between Atlanta’s First Team and Second Team is beginning to produce tangible opportunities.
Martino emphasized that the two teams operate within the same overall system, making the transition easier for players coming up.
That continuity is becoming increasingly important for Atlanta.
Martino Trusting the Next Generation
Martino doesn’t appear overly concerned about the international absences.
Instead, he sees the situation as something the club anticipated.
The Atlanta manager said the coaching staff knew that losing a significant number of players during an international window was always a possibility.
And his message was clear: the roster has enough depth to handle it.
“It’s temporary, just a few days,” Martino said. “… We have an important roster with depth, and that allows us to be optimistic about what’s ahead.”
That confidence will be tested against NYCFC.
Atlanta won’t simply be replacing five players. The 5-Stripes will have to maintain their recent defensive progress while adjusting personnel across the lineup.
Atlanta’s Defense Is Starting to Find Its Rhythm
There is at least one area where Atlanta enters Saturday with momentum.
The 5-Stripes have recorded two consecutive road clean sheets, including their most recent 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers.
That defensive improvement has been built collectively.
Elías Báez highlighted the work being done by the entire team, including wingers tracking back and creating numerical advantages defensively.
For Atlanta, that collective commitment has helped produce consecutive clean sheets.
Now comes another test.
With Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz away on international duty and Tomás Jacob potentially unavailable after being substituted with an injury against Portland, Atlanta may need to rearrange its defensive structure.
That is where versatility becomes critical.
Matt Edwards Ready to Fill Any Role
One player who could become particularly important is Matt Edwards.
Edwards came off the bench against Portland and delivered a productive performance after Jacob’s injury.
He also remembers what happened the last time NYCFC visited Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta United famously came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat NYCFC 4-3 last season.
Edwards knows Atlanta can’t rely on another comeback like that.
His approach is much simpler: be ready wherever the team needs him.
“The good thing about me is I’m comfortable playing anywhere,” Edwards said. “Wherever they need me, I’m there for the team.”
That mentality could be especially valuable Saturday.
NYCFC Brings Its Own Threat
Atlanta’s absences don’t mean New York City FC will arrive at full strength.
NYCFC will also be without U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Matt Freese, who is away on international duty.
But one player Atlanta will need to account for is Nicolás Fernández, who enters the matchup with 22 goal contributions on the season.
The 5-Stripes aren’t focusing too heavily on which team has more preferred players available, though.
The message inside Atlanta’s camp has been centered on adaptability.
Martino wants his team to recognize different match situations and have multiple solutions available rather than relying on one specific style.
That flexibility could be the difference Saturday.
A Playoff Six-Pointer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Beyond the international absences, the stakes are significant.
NYCFC enters the weekend six points ahead of Atlanta United and just outside the MLS Play-In spots.
That makes Saturday’s match particularly important for the 5-Stripes as they continue their push toward the postseason.
Atlanta has repeatedly described every remaining match as a final.
This one certainly carries that feeling.
The opportunity is there for Atlanta to close the gap while playing in front of its home supporters.
And with several regular starters unavailable, the match could also reveal just how deep this roster really is.
“If There’s a Time to Pick Up Form, It’s Now”
Atlanta midfielder Jay Fortune summed up the mentality heading into the match.
The 5-Stripes don’t simply need players to fill positions.
They need players who believe they can contribute.
“If there’s a time to pick up form, it’s now,” Fortune said.
His point goes beyond Saturday.
When players are willing to work for one another, compete for every ball and accept whatever role the team needs, Atlanta believes it can build momentum.
That mentality will be especially important with five first-team players unavailable.
For Chica, Dunbar, Edwards and the rest of the squad, Saturday represents an opportunity.
For Atlanta United as a whole, it represents a test of whether the depth developed throughout the season can now translate into results when the pressure is highest.
Community Spotlight: Adaptability Matters
Atlanta United’s international absences are creating opportunities for players who may not have expected to carry as much responsibility this late in the season. Chica, Dunbar, Edwards and others now have to be ready to adapt, step into different roles and make the most of their opportunities. In competitive environments, preparation and the ability to adjust when circumstances change can make all the difference.
Atlanta Soccer News is proud to recognize Somber Reptile, a local business built around a passion for reptiles and the people who care for them. Their story reflects the importance of knowledge, preparation and creating the right environment for animals to thrive.
Just as Atlanta United’s depth will be tested when key players are away, responsible reptile care requires being prepared for the needs of animals and adapting to what each one requires. Learn more about Somber Reptile and their story, passion and approach to the reptile community.
What This Means for Atlanta United
The international break has taken some of Atlanta’s biggest names out of the lineup.
But it has also created an opportunity for the next group.
Chica and Dunbar could get their chance.
Edwards could be asked to play another important role.
The defensive unit will have to adjust.
And everyone will have to maintain the collective work that produced consecutive road clean sheets.
With NYCFC sitting six points ahead in the playoff picture, Atlanta doesn’t have much room to waste.
The 5-Stripes have spent much of the season trying to find consistency.
Now, with the postseason picture tightening, they have an opportunity to show whether their depth and defensive improvement can help them make a late push.
Saturday night isn’t just another match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a test of how deep Atlanta United really is — and how badly this group wants to keep its playoff hopes alive.
NEXT STEPS
Atlanta United hosts New York City FC Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta fans — do you want to see Daniel Chica or Cameron Dunbar get their First Team opportunity against NYCFC? And can Atlanta turn its recent defensive form into another crucial result?
Join the conversation. Comment below, share this article with another 5-Stripes supporter, and let us know what you expect from Atlanta United on Saturday night.
Have Atlanta soccer news to share? Submit Your Soccer News to AtlantaSoccer.News and help us continue covering the players, teams and stories that matter to the soccer community.
ASN TAKE
This is exactly the kind of match where Atlanta United’s depth has to become more than a talking point.
Five first-team players are away with their national teams, but Atlanta has spent the season developing options throughout the roster — including an Atlanta United 2 side that just made club history.
Saturday could give players such as Daniel Chica and Cameron Dunbar a chance to show they’re ready for the next level.
At the same time, Atlanta’s recent defensive improvement gives the 5-Stripes something to build on. Two straight road clean sheets are encouraging, but NYCFC brings a significant attacking threat and sits six points ahead in the playoff race.
For Atlanta, the equation is straightforward: adapt, defend collectively and find a way to get three points.
RELATED ARTICLE:
Atlanta United 2 Playoff Qualification:
Atlanta United 2 Clinches First-Ever MLS NEXT Pro Playoff Berth With 4-2 Win
Covers ATL UTD 2 securing their historic postseason spot behind Decision Day goal contributions from Arif Kovac and Cameron Dunbar.
Atlanta United’s Portland Trip & Clean Sheets:
- Atlanta United Heads to Portland With Full Squad as Playoff Push Enters Critical Stretch
- Atlanta United Transfers Stian Gregersen to Malmö FF as Summer Roster Reshaping Continues
- ATL UTD 2 Signs Academy Standout Ignacio Suarez Through 2026
Should Tata Martino give Daniel Chica and Cameron Dunbar their First Team opportunity against NYCFC?
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.
