Get to know who the Red Bulls will be playing in their upcoming match with The Other Side:
How They’re Doing
Atlanta United has been hot, riding a seven-match unbeaten streak.
The 5-Stripes were last defeated on May 13, falling to Charlotte FC, 3-1. Since then, the club has earned two wins and five draws. A win or draw over New York on Saturday would match the club’s record of eight-straight unbeaten matches set in 2018.
In 2023, Atlanta United is 7-4-8, ranking fifth in the Eastern Conference. The 5-Stripes are two points behind fourth-place Philadelphia and hold a one-point lead over sixth-place Columbus.
Atlanta travels to Red Bull Arena with a 1-3-5 record away from home this season. Despite facing road struggles in 2023, three of the club’s five draws during their unbeaten streak have come away from home.
Head-to-Head History
New York is heavily favored in terms of the lifetime series between clubs. The Red Bulls have claimed nine victories over the 5-Stripes, who only have two. The clubs have played to four draws.
The teams have faced each other once this season, with Atlanta earning a 1-0 win at home. The match’s only goal came at the seven-minute mark when Giorgos Giakoumakis netted a rebound off of Carlos Coronel. Prior to that, the Red Bulls have not lost to Atlanta United since November of 2018.
Saturday will be the second and final match of the regular season between the two clubs.
Player to Watch: Forward Giorgos Giakoumakis
Atlanta United’s Giorgos Giakoumakis has been a huge factor in the club’s seven-game unbeaten streak. The forward has netted five goals during the streak, contributing to his total of 10 goals in 2023, ranking first on the team and second in the league. He has also assisted on one goal during the streak.
In this first year in the league, Giakoumakis is looked upon as one of MLS’ best newcomers. He earned Team of the Matchday honors on Matchday 14 and continues to be in the race for the MLS Golden Boot.
Atlanta will need Giakoumakis to keep producing on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena against a New York defense that has been able to hold opponents to just 18 goals in 2023.
