Availability report and match preview: Atlanta looking for positive end to first half of season

The Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire showcase kicks off at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 24 from ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus with both teams trying to finish strong before a long league break for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.  

Bounce back performance needed 

The 5-Stripes are coming off a 4-1 loss in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal in midweek to Orlando City SC. With all four Orlando goals coming in the first half, head coach Tata Martino took full responsibility for the result when speaking to the media after the loss, “My responsibility. Absolutely me. It’s not the responsibility of the players.”

Now the team needs to show that it can shake off that bad result and end this first half of the campaign on a positive note. Atlanta sits just three points out of 10th place in the Eastern Conference. A victory on Sunday could be important looking ahead to the rest of the season. They will also look to avenge the 3-1 home loss they suffered to the Crew on “404 Day” earlier this season.  

Midfielder Alexey Miranchuk spoke to the media this week and emphasized the importance of finishing on a positive note, “It’s not going to be an easy game obviously. It’s an away game against another good team. We need to understand everything, and we will do everything to finish this part of the season on a good end.”

Let the Homegrown midfielders lead the way 

In last weekend’s MLS match against Orlando City, Homegrown midfielder Jay Fortune played one of, if not the best match, of his young career. The Trinidad and Tobago international scored the crucial late goal to earn the 1-1 result. He also created a career-high five chances, led the team with 22 passes into the final third and 12 final third entries. Fortune’s form has continued to climb after working his way back from injury in the offseason.

With him and the emergence of another Homegrown, Cooper Sanchez, in midfield, the 5-Stripes have some building blocks for the future.  

Take advantage of Columbus’ second half defensive woes 

One of the opportunities Atlanta has in this match is to take advantage of Columbus’ defensive woes in the second half. They have conceded 16 of their 23 goals in the second half of matches this season. Atlanta has scored nine of its 14 goals in the second half, and they will look to add to that tally on Sunday.

Few additions to availability from Monday

Missing from the pitch for a few weeks, Miguel Almirón is aiming for one final opportunity to return before the break. Fafa Picault has moved from questionable to out due to a hamstring injury. Steven Alzate is listed as questionable with an adductor issue. Matías Galarza is out for personal reasons, while Emmanuel Latte Lath is listed as questionable due to illness.