Fresh off consecutive victories over the New York Red Bulls and Seattle Sounders FC, Philadelphia Union return to Subaru Park on Saturday, August 1, for a matchup against Atlanta United FC.
The Boys in Blue will look to keep their winning streak alive and continue their climb up the Eastern Conference standings. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can secure their tickets here or watch live on Apple TV.
A six-point start
Twas the night of DOOPMas… and the Boys in Blue defeated Seattle Sounders 1-0, rise up the Eastern Conference table above of Saturday's opponent, Atlanta United. Led by interim Head Coach Ryan Richter, the team picked up their second straight win since emerging from the World Cup break, again, in part thanks to Milan Iloski, who scored the team’s lone goal of the night and extended his personal scoring streak to five matches in a row. He became just the second Union player in history score in five straight – tied with Daniel Gazdag for the record.Â
The celebrations didn’t end on matchday -- following the result, Philadelphia Union Homegrown defender Frankie Westfield earned his first MLS Team of the Matchday honor after his match-winning assist, which put Iloski in perfect position to get one past Seattle goalkeeper Andrew Thomas. Westfield became the fifth Union player and third defender to earn the honor this season.
Analyzing Atlanta
While Philly picked up another three points on Saturday, it wasn't the same for the Five Stripes as they fell to the bottom of the table via a 4-1 loss to New England Revolution. Early in the first half, New England’s Matt Polster took control with a left-footed shot to the far post, marking his sixth goal of the season. Atlanta attempted to complete an equalizer, but missed, giving Dor Turgeman the chance to double the score with a bullseye strike in the 36th minute.Â
The Revs carried their offensive momentum into the second half, scoring the third goal of the match from Peyton Miller. Brooklyn Raines put New England in a 4-0 lead by the 67th minute, solidfying the victory for the Revs. Miguel Almirón shot a low left-footed shot into the right corner in the 85th minute for Atlanta, scoring in back-to-back matches, but it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome their northeastern opponents.Â
The match continued Atlanta's poor form since the return from the summer break with just one point, a 2-2 road draw at Charlotte FC. That form has seen Atlanta fall to the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of three wins, three draws, and 11 losses on the season.Â
Atlanta additions
Head Coach Tata Martino returned to Atlanta United following the end of the 2025 season, which saw the Five Stripes finish the regular season in 14th place in the conference. There hasn’t been much change in their league standing since he took over, but during the summer break, the club added a major piece to their defense, signing 33-year-old Júnior Alonso. Alonso performed as a member of Paraguay’s 2026 FIFA World Cup roster, helping the team advance to the Round of 16, where they fell 1-0 to France on July 4th in Philadelphia. The Paraguayan defender joined Atlanta after competing for two previous club seasons with Atlético Mineiro of Brazil’s Serie A. Alonso has made 422 professional appearances, scored nine goals, and made 15 assists across all competitions so far.Â
Joining Alonso on the back line, Chilean center back Paulo DÃaz arrived on a free transfer in early July under a contract through the 2027-28 season. DÃaz spent his seven previous seasons with Argentine club River Plate. Throughout his professional career, he has contributed 27 goals, 11 assists, and 364 club appearances, along with eight title wins under his belt. He has also featured in the first divisions of Chile, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. Internationally, he has scored once in 56 caps with Chile.
Last meeting vs Philly
In the pair's most recent meeting, the Philadelphia Union fell to Atlanta United 3-1 on March 14th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With a slew of unsuccessful attacking attempts from both teams and physical play turning into free kicks, Atlanta’s Emmanuel Latte opened the scoring with a bottom-right goal in the 28th minute, putting the hosts ahead 1-0. Philadelphia Union’s Milan Iloski took a penalty kick to equalize, but missed, striking the left post.Â
Two minutes into the second half, Tomás Jacob scored Atlanta’s second goal of the match. Seeking an offensive spark, the Union made several substitutions, but the Five Stripes answered with their third goal of the night from Alexey Miranchuk in the 68th minute. Union's AgustÃn Anello fired a quick left-footed shot after Frankie Westfield found Alejandro Bedoya, whose headed pass set up the finish just minutes before the end of the match.
Pressing Points
On Thursday afternoon, Richter met with the media, previewing this weekend's matchup against Atlanta -- his third at the helm. He announced that his enitre group will be available for selection, including Japhet Sery Larsen.Â
As for Atlanta, two players Richter spoke about are Miguel Almiron and Alexey Miranchuck - a pair of opposing attackers to watch come matchday.Â
"Almiron, of course, one of the best players in MLS history with his first run, and now back and still a very high quality player who can make the difference in the game," Richter said.
"And Miranchuk's a guy that we have to make sure we always have numbers around because if you give him time and space, he can find the final pass. He's really clever in the way that he picks up spaces, and and then also from distance that that he can find the goal."
Philadelphia Union's recent success has re-energized fans, staff, and players alike, but for Richter, the focus is on the match ahead.
"Every time I get asked this question about what's possible in the future, Leagues Cup or this, it's like we play Atlanta on Saturday. The position that we're in, we're taking it one game at a time, and just if we won two games, that doesn't that doesn't change.
