Atlanta United vs. Seattle Sounders FC | 2018 MLS Match Preview

Dylan Butler

Atlanta United vs. Seattle Sounders FC
2018 MLS Regular Season — Week 20
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
July 15 - 2 pm ET
WATCH: FOX, TSN3

Atlanta United look to maintain their hold of the top spot in the Supporters' Shield race in front of what could be an MLS record crowd when they host a Seattle Sounders FC side that has lost just once in their last four games after a 0-0 draw against the New England Revolution last Saturday.

The Five Stripes did well to bounce back from a Fourth of July loss at FC Dallas to defeat the Philadelphia Union, 2-0, last Saturday in Chester.

Atlanta United

Josef Martinez and Hector Villalba struck for second-half goals to lead Atlanta (12-4-4) to a 2-0 win over the Union at Talen Energy Stadium.

Martinez created more separation in the Golden Boot race with his league-leading 18th goal of the season, scoring from the penalty spot, and Villalba put the finishing touches on a brilliant buildup to put the game away in the 76th minute.

“I think in the second half we were much better, the same as against Dallas,” Tata Martino said. “It was an even first half and we were better in the second half and I think that is what allowed us to get the win tonight.”

Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: D - Franco Escobar, F - Romario Williams, D/M - Chris McCann
International duty: None
Injury Report: OUT: D - Greg Garza (shoulder surgery), M - Darlington Nagbe (right adductor injury)

Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1, right to left)
GK: Brad Guzan — Franco Escobar, Michael Parkhurst, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Mikey Ambrose — Julian Gressel, Jeff Larentowicz — Hector Villalba, Miguel Almiron, Ezequiel Barco — Josef Martinez

Seattle Sounders FC

It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective as Seattle (4-9-4) earned a road point in a 0-0 draw against the New England Revolution last Saturday at Gillette Stadium. It came on the heels of a 2-1 win over the Colorado Rapids on the Fourth of July.

A Sounders team desperate for attacking help could get just that on Sunday with Peruvian striker Raul Ruidiaz in the final stages of obtaining a work visa.

“If he hasn’t trained with the team, it’s awfully challenging to get a guy in and play 90 minutes,” Brian Schmetzer said. “So, that’ll be a conversation that we have. He has a program that he’s been following to keep himself fit. But, look, if he just shows up on Friday or Saturday, that will be challenging.”

Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: M - Osvaldo Alonso, D - Jordy Delem, M - Cristian Roldan
International duty: None
Injury Report: OUT: F - Jordan Morris (torn ACL), M - Handwalla Bwana (right midfoot sprain); QUESTIONABLE: D - Kelvin Leerdam (right hamstring strain), F - Felix Chenkam (right hamstring strain), D - Roman Torres (left ankle sprain), M - Osvaldo Alonso (hip tightness)

Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1, right to left)
GK: Stefan Frei — Jordan McCrary, Kim Kee-hee, Chad Marshall, Nouhou Tolo — Cristian Roldan, Gustav Svensson — Magnus Wolff Eikrem, Nicolas Lodeiro, Victor Rodriguez — Will Bruin