Atlanta United: 5 must-watch matches ahead of 2020 season

HARRISON, NJ - MAY 19: Frank de Boer Head Coach of Atlanta United FC after MLS match between Atlanta United FC and New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on May 19 2019 in Harrison, NJ, USA. The New York Red Bulls won the match with a score of 1 to 0. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 14: Julian Gressel #24 of Atlanta United reacts after falling to the Seattle Sounders 2-1 during their game at CenturyLink Field on July 14, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

2. July 4 vs D.C. United

Atlanta United has an emotional match lined up for its fans this Fourth of July. D.C. United visit Mercedes Benz Stadium and bring two former Atlanta fan favorites: Yamil Asad and Julian Gressel. Asad etched his name in the history books when he scored Atlanta’s first-ever goal on March 5, 2017, but by now, most fans have accepted his leave.

With Gressel, the situation is much different. Fans will forever remember that goal, and they might remember a few other Asad moments from 2017, but Gressel’s impact on this club is much more substantial and long-lasting. Gressel played an extremely important role for the team in each of its trophy-winning runs, and before his trade to D.C., he led the club in appearances.

Throw in the fact that D.C. have acted as a bogeyman for Atlanta since joining in 2017, and there’s a recipe for an exciting match during this holiday weekend.

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