DC United vs Atlanta United: Embolo Awaits MLS Debut

DC UnitedUNI

Major League Soccer

0–0

Full Time

HT 0–0

Audi Field

Washington, District of Columbia

Atlanta United FC

AI ForecastsGraded

DC United's play-off push has stalled with a run of five matches yielding just one win, but their recent draws have kept them in the hunt. Atlanta, despite back-to-back victories, remain porous on the road where they are yet to keep a clean sheet. The key battle may be DC's…

Match ResultHome Win44%

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Match Stats

Top Stats

0.21xG1.42

30%Possession70%

4 (0)Shots (on target)20 (3)

1Big Chances Created0

Attacking Play

0.00xG on Target0.16

0.48Expected Assists (xA)1.11

48Final Third Entries86

25Penalty Area Entries43

Possession & Passing

272 · –Passes (accuracy)625 · –

4Corners8

17Poss. Won — Def 3rd15

11Poss. Won — Mid 3rd18

Duels & Pressing

29 (39%)Duels Won46 (61%)

7 (35%)Aerial Duels Won13 (65%)

38Ball Recoveries38

16.4PPDA (Pressing)10.1

Defending & Discipline

3Saves0

16Fouls6

+0.16Goals Prevented+0.00

DC United vs Atlanta United: Embolo Awaits MLS Debut

#	Team	P	GD	Pts
12	DC United	28	-11	33
14	Atlanta United FC	29	-12	30

Published Tue 8 Sept

DC United face Atlanta United in round 25 of the Major League Soccer regular season on 12 September 2026. With both sides battling for consistency, this fixture presents a vital opportunity to secure valuable points heading into the autumn schedule.

Team News and Injury Latest for DC United vs Atlanta United

DC United head coach René Weiler is sweating on the fitness of top scorer Tai Baribo. The striker, who has netted 12 goals in 17 matches since his arrival, is questionable with a knee injury that has recently sidelined him. If Baribo fails to recover, Jackson Hopkins is expected to continue leading the line in Weiler's preferred 4-3-3 system. The hosts will definitely be without Gabe Segal due to a lower leg issue, while Kye Rowles is carrying a thigh problem.

For Atlanta United, Breel Embolo is eagerly anticipating his Major League Soccer debut. Manager Tata Martino will be hoping the Swiss forward can add immediate firepower to the frontline. The visitors are missing Giuliano Galoppo, and Jay Fortune remains a doubt with a hamstring issue. At the back, recent defensive acquisitions Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz are settling into the side.

DC United Form Guide and Key Players

The hosts are seeking a return to winning ways after stringing together a series of draws, including a recent stalemate against FC Cincinnati. DC United have struggled to turn one point into three, a frustration reflected in the fact that their last three meetings with Atlanta have all ended level.

Defensively, goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been a dependable figure, keeping five clean sheets this term. Ahead of him, captain Lucas Bartlett and Japanese centre-back Keisuke Kurokawa have logged the most outfield minutes for the club. Going forward, Louis Munteanu has been a persistent threat, registering 21 shots on target so far this campaign. DC United must tread carefully regarding discipline, as both Bartlett and Kurokawa sit on five yellow cards.

Atlanta United Form Guide

Atlanta arrive having recently enjoyed their first three-match winning streak since September 2021, picking up victories over Red Bull New York, Minnesota United, and Sporting Kansas City. However, that momentum was abruptly halted last weekend when they suffered a 2-0 defeat on the road against Charlotte FC.

The Five Stripes will lean heavily on the creativity of Miguel Almirón and Saba Lobjanidze, who have recorded 18 and 15 shots on target respectively. Disciplinary issues could be a concern for the visitors too, with Cooper Sanchez, Tomás Jacob, and Elías Báez all accumulating six yellow cards this season.

Securing three points in this encounter could prove pivotal for either side's aspirations as the regular season enters its final stretch. Both clubs will look to use this fixture as a springboard to build momentum for the challenging weeks ahead.