MLS Opening Weekend: Top six exciting match-ups from Week 1

3. Trial by fire for Atlanta (New York Red Bulls @ Atlanta United FC)

Neither of the expansion clubs in 2017 have a chance to ease into their MLS debuts. Atlanta United FC will hold their first regular-season matchup against the club that finished the 2016 season at the very top of the Eastern Conference: the New York Red Bulls.

Atlanta United FC has thrown a lot of money at young Designated Players, and many fans are excited to see if their spend-big philosophy will pay off, as opposed to Minnesota’s more conservative path.

The young Atlanta team will have the home-field advantage at least, as they host the Red Bulls at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium. Atlanta will play the first half of their season there. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be the premanent home of Atlanta United FC when construction is finished in summer of 2017.