Match preview: Atlanta United closes out home schedule playing for their fans against Toronto FC

Why wait to get better? That's the question Atlanta United is asking, even if their season is winding down to an earlier conclusion than planned. 

Atlanta United won't waste a second of potential development time. The 5-Stripes can no longer make the 2026 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, but their last two matches will be a chance to build on good habits and root out bad ones. 

"For me, it's very important because it sets the tone for how we will start next season," head coach Tata Martino said.

Another chance for a double over Canadian adversaries

After completing a season sweep of CF Montréal October 14 with a 3-0 road win, Atlanta United will go for the same against Toronto FC. A 2-1 victory over the Reds all the way back in April was achieved thanks to an Alexey Miranchuk free kick and a special Tristan Muyumba strike.

Muyumba spoke Friday on the state of an Atlanta side that wants to give its fans something to celebrate after a season that didn't go according to plan. 

"I believe a lot because I trust in my teammates and I know everyone wants to do the good thing," Muyumba said. "Everyone tries to be successful for themselves and for the club. I also believe in the quality of this group. I'm 100% sure we all want the best for the club and the next part, as we say, we spoke about the conviction, I'm pretty sure will come."

They'll face 11th place Toronto, who are vying for a playoff spot as the season comes down to the wire. The visitors Sunday will come into the match having conceded more often this year than the hosts, making the attacking phase all the more critical for the 5-Stripes. 

Success on Sunday will come with consistency, though that's admittedly an area the 5-Stripes have wanted to do better in this year. Wins at Toronto and matches like the Chicago effort where moments of buildup fluidity felt normal are examples of where Atlanta wants to be at all times. The second half of their midweek match in New York, though, showed how difficult it is to maintain that level for 90 minutes and how even tiny moments can change a result. 

For Muyumba, it's about selectiveness when evaluating many of this season's matches.

"It’s important because those kind of performances, even when the result is not the one we expect, help for confidence," Muyumba said. "It's important to keep the good things we did and also work on what we've been missing through the whole season. To take some of those stuff and also leave some of the others, to be ready and to do some good things for the last 2 games."

Another chance to represent Atlanta with pride

The 5-Stripes are winless at home in their last six matches, and Sunday afternoon's match serves as a last chance to turn that tide to end the home slate on a high note. Though there are no more playoff stakes, there is certainly exigence within the Atlanta United squad to give 17s one more win to celebrate this season. 

Matt Edwards spoke after his side's loss to New York City Wednesday night, expressing the frustration that everyone in and around the club felt in a moment that wasn't up to par with the history of the club. Martino knows Homegrowns like Edwards, who have grown up in Atlanta, feel it more, but he expects every player up and down the roster to feel that same hurt. 

"I think that any professional who is committed to the workplace, whether from the Academy or coming from abroad, whether American, South American, or European, a bad season should affect everyone equally," Martino said. "When I look back and think about my time as a footballer, losses in a place where you were born, raised and developed really hurt a lot. You feel like you're letting down that place that has invested so much in you. ​

"I understand Matt's situation, and they also know the commitment they have for next season and the very important role they play in this team. If we can't face a serious season without Matt, without Cooper, without Jay, without the academy kids, it's very difficult to undertake a season like that."

Muyumba is the perfect example that anyone can care deeply, no matter where they're from. He called Atlanta home Friday, and he means it. He's been with the club since 2023, and his daughter was born in the city. The Frenchman knows that the trial his team is going through extends throughout the city to the fans. 

"We want to thank them because they've been there since the first day when we were struggling, and also when we had good results. When the season was difficult, they always showed up for us," Muyumba said. "We keep fighting for them and try to make them proud in the future, but also on Sunday, I think they deserve a good performance from the team and also a win."