Atlanta United: 5 must-watch matches in 2019

ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Game attendance is announced on the overheard video board during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta’s Jeff Larentowicz (rear) and Portland’s Jeremy Ebobisse (17) go high for a header during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. August 18 @ Portland Timbers

This will be a 2018 MLS Cup rematch. It will only be the second time Atlanta has traveled to Portland and it offers an excellent opportunity for Atlanta fans to experience one of the best atmospheres MLS has to offer. Atlanta’s first trip to Providence Park in 2017 ended in a 1-1 draw, as did the Portland Timbers’ trip to Mercedes Benz Stadium in 2018.

The great storyline surrounding this match is the rematch of the 2018 MLS Cup. Portland felt some calls didn’t go their way, while Atlanta felt great about their MLS Cup run. The Timbers will be looking to avenge that loss while Atlanta looks to build off of their MLS Cup triumph.

From a scheduling standpoint, Atlanta should be somewhat rested heading into this match. It will be their first road match in over three weeks, with just two home games played in that span. Meanwhile, Portland will be three games into a ten game home-stand. This match will also be important for the Timbers as they try to make a run back to the playoffs and the MLS Cup Final.

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It is set to be a fascinating and enthralling 2019 for Atlanta United. At the heart of it is these five matches, all of which should be truly riveting watching.

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