The second half of the MLS season and a push toward the playoffs begin on Saturday with a matchup of two Top 3 sides with hopes of silverware in their future. Atlanta United hosts the LA Galaxy in an East vs. West meeting of two of the league’s most high profile clubs. The reigning MLS Cup champions will look to make it three wins in three years over the league’s winningest franchise.
MLS: Atlanta United vs LA Galaxy
- Date: Saturday, August 3
- Time: 5:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: FOX
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
The Five Stripes are in the midst of a massive transition involving a managerial change that has left them a shell of the high octane, full-throttle attacking side that took the league by storm in the previous two seasons. Frank de Boer’s more possession-oriented and patient style has meant some major adjustments, as results have proven. Despite the overall performance on the season falling below the unusually high expectations they set for themselves, they still occupy second place in the Eastern Conference. While Pity Martinez, who was an offseason signing, continues to struggle to adapt, Atlanta should get a major boost when Ezequiel Barco returns healthy.
If going on the road and dealing with a raucous crowd wasn’t difficult enough for the G’s, they must do it without their centerpiece. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be unavailable for the match after being suspended one match due to yellow card accumulation. Efrain Alvarez and Diego Polenta will also miss out after picking up red cards in their 4-0 loss against Portland. The odds are stacked against the Galaxy, but anything is possible in this wild and wacky league on any given match day.
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