Atlanta, Philadelphia each trying to shrug off 1-0 losses

Field Level Media|published: Fri 18th April, 20:16 2025

MLS: Philadelphia Union at New York City FC

Apr 12, 2025; New York, NY, New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Tai Baribo (9) looks for a pass during the first half against New York City FC at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

A pair of teams looking to bounce back from recent disappointments will meet Saturday night when the Philadelphia Union host visiting Atlanta United in Chester, Pa.

Philadelphia (4-3-1, 13 points) won four of its first five games, but has posted just one victory since March 8. Last time out, the Union fell 1-0 at New York City FC, mustering just three shots on goal in defeat.

Philadelphia needs to see its offense come to life Saturday following two consecutive scoreless contests. Despite its lackluster play, Union head coach Bradley Carnell isn't worried -- yet.

"I think we are right where we need to be," Carnell said. "We've been competitive in nearly every game we've played. ... We have to approach (Saturday) with caution. Atlanta has game-changers. We're going to have our hands full again. It's going to take 11 guys to collectively play together and win the game here at home."

Of Philadelphia's 13 goals, Tai Baribo has six of them.

Atlanta (2-3-3, 9 points) is coming off a 1-0 home loss to the New England Revolution last week, prolonging an inconsistent stretch for the club. Atlanta is aiming to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time this season.

In a frustrating loss to New England, Atlanta outshot its opponent 18-12, including a 15-7 edge inside the box, but failed to score for the third time this season.

"It's frustrating that we didn't get more," Atlanta head coach Ronny Deila said. "That we didn't take our chances and get more goals out of them, because that is what we deserve. Nobody can watch that match and say that we deserved to have zero goals."

Atlanta's prized offseason acquisition Emmanuel Latte Lath paces the team with five goals this year, but hasn't scored since the club's last win on March 29 against New York City FC.

Miguel Almiron -- who played with Atlanta United from 2016-19 -- signed with the club for his second stint in January. Almiron is second on the team with a pair of goals.

Atlanta will host Philadelphia on May 17.

--Field Level Media