Atlanta United Welcomes Back Key Players Ahead of FC Dallas Clash

ATLANTA, Ga. — Atlanta United is set to reclaim some key players when they host FC Dallas on Saturday night, marking the second game of their homestand. Forward Tristan Muyumba and midfielder Jamal Thiaré were not included in the club’s availability report on Friday, indicating they will be eligible to play. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Muyumba returns after recovering from a right leg injury sustained on March 22 against FC Cincinnati, initially expected to keep him off the field for three weeks. He completed his recovery ahead of schedule and is anticipated to return to a defensive midfield role where he had been having success under head coach Ronny Deila‘s system.

“I really believe in him,” Deila said of Muyumba. “We have a player for the future, and not only for the future, he can do something now.”

Thiaré is also back after missing four consecutive matches due to a quad injury. He last played as a substitute on Matchday 2 against Charlotte FC and has been focused on his recovery during training sessions.

Despite the positive returns, the 5-Stripes will be without some starters. Defender Pedro Amador is sidelined with a quad injury, while Edwin Mosquera is out with an ankle issue. Alexey Miranchuk, who has been a pivotal player for Atlanta, is questionable with an adductor injury.

“We don’t take any chances,” Deila noted after Thursday’s training session. “I expect him to be ready.”

Atlanta United is looking to capitalize on the momentum from their last match, a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory against New York City FC, where they scored three times in the second half. Saturday’s encounter against FC Dallas presents a formidable challenge, as Dallas arrives with two consecutive victories and remains undefeated on the road this season.

FC Dallas has made a strong start in the current campaign, led by new head coach Eric Quill. The team boasts three wins and one draw in their first six matches, bolstered by the offseason addition of Argentine midfielder Lucho Acosta, who has netted three goals. His strike partner, Petar Musa, has also been impactful, contributing with two goals and three assists.

“We need to be aware of Acosta and Musa at all times,” Deila cautioned. “Allowing them space will cause problems for our defense.”

The upcoming match is set to be an exciting affair not just on the field but also in the atmosphere, with the Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof scheduled to be open for the first time this season. With temperatures around 80 degrees expected at kickoff, fans will enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars.

In a colorful celebration of Black excellence, the Morehouse Glee Club will perform ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ and a drumline will feature throughout the match. Additionally, this match will see Atlanta United debut their community kit, the Resurgens Kit, at home this season.