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Tag: Ronny Deila

  • Atlanta United releases preseason schedule, several matches will take place in Texas

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    Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré (center) celebrates after a goal during the first half of the Leagues Cup match against the Atlas at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

    Atlanta United (5-13-16 overall in 2025) has released its 2026 preseason schedule. Along with a match at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, the team will play several matches in Texas. 

    Last season, Atlanta United finished at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The story of the 2025 season will include injuries to key players, 16 losses, tough draws, and ultimately, a coaching change, as manager Ronny Deila was fired at the end of the season. Long-time goalkeeper and fan favorite, Brad Guzan, has also retired, while former manager Tata Martino was brought back to lead the club. Martino managed the club to a 2018 MLS Cup title and most recently managed Inter Miami FC before being fired. 

    Matt Edwards, 22, has started both games at right back for Atlanta United this season. A native of North Carolina, Edwards played 90 minutes in his first career start against CF Montreal and 72 minutes against Charlotte FC on Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

    The preseason will also provide an opportunity for some of the team’s young players, such as Matt Edwards and 21-year-old goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert, to continue their development.

    The Five Stripes will begin the preseason on their training grounds on Friday, January 30. The opponent, Lexington SC, is a United Soccer League club out of Kentucky. The match will take place at 11 a.m. 

    Next on the schedule will be MLS opponent, the Houston Dynamo, on Saturday, February 7. That match will take place at 8 p.m. on the Dynamo’s home turf, the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

    Atlanta United will remain in Texas, playing matches against Red Bull New York on Wednesday, February 11 (noon), and on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14 (1 p.m.). Both matches will take place at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. 

    Atlanta United midfielder Ajani Fortune (above) at the team’s training facility in Marietta, Friday, May 23, 2025. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Atlanta United’s young keeper Jayden Hibbert keeps a clean sheet, 0-0 draw with Toronto FC in front of 39,500 fans

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    Atlanta United forward Miguel Almirón (center) during the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Photo by Matthew Dingle/Atlanta United

    Yes, it was another draw, 0-0 with visiting Toronto FC, but there was a bright side. One of the youngest players on the club is growing in confidence as a frustrating 2025 season nears a close.

    Atlanta United hosted Toronto FC in front of 39,509 fans on Sunday night. The match is the last time the two clubs will meet this season. The teams played to a 1-1 draw on July 12. Jayden Hibbert, the club’s 21-year-old backup goalkeeper, started tonight and held his own.

    Hibbert, A member of the Jamaican National Team, had to defend six shots from Toronto during the first half, but kept a clean sheet by halftime. Atlanta United took five shots at Toronto’s goal, with many of those shots being close to going in.

    Atlanta United midfielder Alexey Miranchuk (above) during the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United)

    Atlanta midfielder Alexey Miranchuk, arguably the team’s best player over the past six to seven matches, took a shot in the 16th minute of the scoreless match that trickled by Toronto’s goalkeeper but was wide right. Miranchuk has had six goals and four assists this season and has become the team’s go-to player of late. His game-tying goals have helped keep this season from being a total loss, with Atlanta hovering near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

    Hibbert immediately racked up another save in the first minute of the second half. The shot attempt by Toronto was straight on, and Hibbert had to save it with his knees. There was a difference on the pitch without Guzan around to wave his hands frantically while directing traffic from the back, but Hibbert could be seen doing his job in a less demonstrative way.

    Atlanta manager Ronny Deila made a triple-substitution in the 61st minute, bringing on Steven Alzate, Brooks Lennon, and forward Jamal Thiare. Alzate joined the club on a transfer from English club Hull City earlier this month and had played in two matches before Sunday night.

    Scoreless through 80 minutes, Atlanta United defenders did a good job of keeping shots from coming Hibbert’s way. Several Toronto shots were blocked during the latter stages of the second half.

    Juan Berrocal and Cayman Togashi subbed into the match in the 85th minute. It was Berrocal’s third match for Atlanta United.

    With five minutes of stoppage time on the clock, Atlanta United managed to threaten Toronto, but did not score.

    The Starting XI pose for a photo before the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

    What’s Next: Atlanta United will begin the month of September with a pair of matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, Sept. 13, and against MLS newcomers San Diego FC on Saturday, Sept. 20. Despite being in its first year of existence, San Diego is the first team in MLS to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

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    Donnell Suggs

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