Atlanta United FC vs. Toronto FC | 2017 MLS Match Preview

Jozy Altidore - solo - Decision Day overlay

Atlanta United FC vs. Toronto FC
2017 MLS Regular Season
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
Sunday, Oct. 22 – 4 pm ET
WATCH: TSN4, MLS LIVE

Both teams have long since clinched their berths in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, but Atlanta United and Toronto FC still have plenty to play for on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.


Currently in fourth in the East, Atlanta are looking to move up to No. 2 and avoid the Knockout Round. The Five Stripes need to win and have New York City FC and Chicago both lose or draw on Sunday for them jump into the second seed.


Toronto clinched the Supporters’ Shield and No. 1 overall playoff seed a couple of weeks ago, but the Reds are still hoping to write their name in the MLS record books. Toronto are currently tied with the 1998 LA Galaxy for most points in a single-season in league history; a result on Sunday, and they’d make that record their own. A win this weekend would give Toronto the most wins in a season in MLS history, and they’ve got an outside shot at catching the 1998 Galaxy for the best single-season goal differential.


Need more intrigue? Sunday’s match will likely mark the return of star Atlanta midfielder Miguel Almiron from his hamstring injury and will see the Five Stripes break their own all-time MLS single-game attendance mark of 70,245 set earlier this year.



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Atlanta United FC


  • Suspended: D Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (yellow card accumulation)
  • International duty: None
  • Injury report: OUT: GK Alec Kann (quad injury), D Greg Garza (left hamstring injury), F Brandon Vazquez (left hamstring injury); QUESTIONABLE: M Miguel Almiron (left hamstring injury), M Chris McCann (left lower extremity injury)


Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1, left to right)
GK: Brad Guzan – Mikey Ambrose, Michael Parkhurst, Jeff Larentowicz, Anton Walkes – Carlos Carmona, Kevin Kratz – Hector Villalba, Miguel Almiron, Yamil Asad – Josef Martinez


Notes: Atlanta’s 3-2 loss to Minnesota in their last home game snapped a 12-match home unbeaten streak for the club. Since Sept. 1, they’ve outscored their opponents 24-6 in their seven home games.


Toronto FC


  • Suspended: None
  • International duty: None
  • Injury report: None


Projected Starting XI
(3-5-2, left to right)
GK: Alex Bono – Chris Mavinga, Drew Moor, Eriq Zavaleta – Justin Morrow, Victor Vazquez, Michael Bradley, Marky Delgado, Nicolas Hasler – Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore


Notes: Toronto’s 2-1 loss at New England on Sept. 23 snapped the club’s six-game MLS road unbeaten streak … Sebastian Giovinco leads MLS with seven goals from outside the box this year. The next closest player has four.


All-Time Series


Atlanta and Toronto drew their lone previous meeting 2-2 at BMO Field on April 8.


  • Overall: Atlanta 0 wins (2 goals) â€¦ Toronto 0 wins (2 goals) â€¦ Ties 1
  • At ATL: First meeting.


Referees


Referee: Robert Sibiga
Assistant Referees: Ian Anderson, Jason White
Fourth Official: Alex Chilowicz
Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Jon Freemon