Clash at the Benz: Atlanta United Kicks Off 2025 MLS Campaign Against CF Montreal

Atlanta United kicks off their 2025 MLS campaign against CF Montréal on Saturday, February 22, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in a 7:30 pm humdinger.  The two have never met in an opening encounter before but have had some unforgettable encounters over the years. The smoke has not even cleared since the two drew 2-2 in regulation and were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Atlanta in the 2024 playoffs. Since Atlanta United’s inaugural season 2017, they have won three, lost four and drew one in their opening fixture. Two of their wins came at home in 2022 and 2023, beating Sporting Kansas City and San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 and 2-1 respectively. One should note, however, that in 2018, their championship year, they were beaten heavily by Houston Dynamo 0-4 at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston in their opening game.  

CF Montréal, on the other hand, has had a mixed record in its opening games since joining Major League Soccer (MLS). Their debut opening game 2012 resulted in a 2–0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Over the years, their performances in season openers have varied, with occasional victories, such as a 2–1 win against the San Jose Earthquakes in 2019 and an impressive 4–2 triumph over Toronto FC in 2021, showcasing their potential to start strong. However, losses have been more frequent, with notable defeats like back-to-back 2–0 losses to Inter Miami CF in 2023 and 2024. These results reflect the challenges of establishing early-season momentum in the highly competitive environment of MLS.

Atlant United has undergone significant changes in both its roster and coaching staff. In the offseason, Atlanta United appointed Ronny Deila the new head coach. Deila brings a wealth of experience, having previously managed clubs in Europe and MLS, including a successful tenure at New York City FC. His leadership is expected to bring the squad a fresh tactical approach and renewed vigour. 

Bolstering the squad to make a deeper run in the competition the club made headlines by signing Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough for a record-breaking $22 million. Latte Lath, 26, is known for his pace and goal-scoring prowess, having netted 29 goals in 67 appearances for Middlesbrough. He is expected to spearhead Atlanta's attack this season. In a nostalgic and strategic move, they also brought back Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United for approximately $10 million. Almirón, a fan favourite and a champion during his previous stint with the club, adds creativity, guile and experience to the midfield. 

 Atlanta United traded their first-round pick (23rd overall) in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft to D.C. United in exchange for Polish midfielder Mateusz Klich.  Klich, 34, brings extensive experience to Atlanta's midfield during his tenure with D.C. United in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he recorded six goals and 22 assists over 63 MLS matches. Before joining MLS, Klich had stints with several European clubs, notably Leeds United in England. Daniel Rios returned to his parent club, Guadalajara, following the conclusion of his loan spell, leaving a vacant spot at the top end of the pitch. The Five Stripes signed Japanese forward Cayman Togashi on a free transfer to add more firepower and fill that void. Togashi, a former Japan under-23 international, adds depth to the attacking lineup. 

Predicted starting XI (3-4-3) 

GK - Brad Guzan: 40-year-old Brad Guzan (Captain) in goal. The evergreen native of Evergreen, Illinois, has made 234 appearances for the club and is ageing like fine wine. Guzan's experience and leadership are invaluable assets to Atlanta United's defence. 

CB - Stian Gregersen: physicality and strong tackling make him formidable in aerial duels and set-piece situations.  

CB Derrick Williams: Williams is recognized for his defensive awareness and ability to clear the ball from the defensive zone. He tends to play long balls and often plays the ball off the ground, contributing to the transition from defence to attack. 

CB – Luis Abram: Abram is known for his anticipation and reading of the game. He is reliable in cutting out passes and dealing with attackers in one-on-one situations. His composure under pressure allows him to play calmly, even when pressed by opposing attackers. 

LWB - Pedro Amador: Pedro Amador's blend of defensive acumen and offensive prowess makes him an asset in the left wing-back position in Deila's 3-4-3 formation, contributing to both Atlanta United's defensive stability and attacking dynamics. 

RWB – Ronald Hernandez:  Ronald Hernández thrives in a system that demands high work rates and versatility. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a vital part of Atlanta United’s setup in a 3-4-3 formation, especially under a coach like Ronny Deila, who values dynamic wing-backs.

AM - Aleksey Miranchuk: Miranchuk is expected to excel as a wide forward or false 9, linking up with wingers and midfielders while creating goal-scoring opportunities. 

CM - Mateusz Klich: Klich high work rate, excellent passing range, and ability to dictate tempo make him a key piece of the Five Stripes puzzle.  His box-to-box abilities with contributions to both defence and attack, his tactical intelligence, positioning, and leadership on the field would make him an excellent anchor in the midfield alongside a defensive midfielder, helping transition the ball to attacking players while contributing defensively. 

RW—Saba Lobzhanidze: Saba would stretch the defence with his lightning-fast pace and excellent acceleration. He can get by players in one-on-one dribbles, creating width and attacking fullbacks, which will provide space for him to deliver crosses or cut inside to create and score goals. 

LW – Miguel Almiron: Almirón thrives as the creative engine behind the attack, playing either wide or centrally, using his vision and dribbling to unlock defences. 

ST - Emmanuel Latte Lath: Latte Lath would lead the line, stretching the defence and finishing chances created by the wingers and midfielders. 

With the combination of a seasoned head coach and strategic player acquisitions, Atlanta United is poised for a strong start to the season. The home advantage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, coupled with the team's preseason momentum, sets a positive tone for the matchup against CF Montréal. Fans can look forward to seeing how the new and returning talents gel on the field under Deila's guidance.