Atlanta United is set to kick off their 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season at home against the San Jose Earthquakes on March 4th. The team is coming off a successful 2022 campaign where they finished second in the Eastern Conference, falling short in the playoffs. The team has been active in the transfer market during the offseason, bringing in a number of new faces in an effort to bolster their squad and make a deeper run in the postseason.
Who is New
One of the biggest offseason acquisitions for Atlanta was midfielder José Mauri. The Argentine international brings a wealth of experience to the team, having played for a number of top clubs in Europe, including AC Milan and Parma. Mauri is expected to slot in immediately as a key player in the midfield for Atlanta, and his ability to control the tempo of the game will be vital in their home opener.
Another key addition for Atlanta is Brazilian forward Kaio Jorge. The 20-year-old has already made a name for himself in his home country, scoring 25 goals in 82 appearances for Santos. He is expected to provide a much-needed scoring punch for Atlanta, who struggled at times to find the back of the net last season.
Atlanta will be facing off against a San Jose Earthquakes team that finished near the bottom of the Western Conference last season. However, the Earthquakes will be no pushover, as they have made some key signings of their own during the offseason. The team has added experienced defender Miguel Angel Bragado and midfielders Santiago Mosquera and Javi Perez, all of whom are expected to play key roles for the team this season.
The matchup between these two teams should be an exciting one, with both sides looking to start the season on a high note. Atlanta will have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, and they will be eager to show their fans the new additions to their squad. San Jose, on the other hand, will be looking to spoil the party and get off to a fast start themselves.
My Prediction
As for my prediction, I believe that Atlanta United will come out on top in this matchup. The team has made some excellent signings during the offseason, and their strong core of players from last season should give them an edge over San Jose. Atlanta’s midfield, led by Mauri, should be able to control the game and create opportunities for their attacking players. If Kaio Jorge can get on the scoresheet early, it could be a long night for San Jose.
That being said, anything can happen in soccer, and San Jose will be looking to prove that they can compete with the best teams in the league. It should be an exciting matchup, and one that fans of both teams will not want to miss.
