Nashville SC will take the field for the first time in 55 days, facing off against Atlanta United in their first match after the 2026 World Cup on Friday at Geodis Park.
For the latest on the Five Stripes, we chatted with our friend J. Sam Jones, who covers Atlanta for Five Stripe Final.
In-depth coverage of Atlanta United.
Ben Wright (SixOneFive Soccer): Atlanta have made a few moves already to start the summer transfer window. What's the state of the squad heading into the restart, and what are you expecting from them in the second half of the season?
J. Sam Jones (Five Stripe Final): Whoo boy. I’ll be upfront and say there’s going to be a lot of “keeping it real” throughout these answers. If we’re keeping it real, this team has gotten worse since the break. It’s virtually the same roster, just without winger Saba Lobjanidze and Paraguayan midfielder Matias Galarza. There’s a chance they’ve improved at center back with two new signings, but both signings are over 30, and the front office has no recent track record of success.
On top of that, center back didn’t even feel like a major need. This team scored 14 goals in 14 games to start the year. They have so few true wingers on the team that Emmanuel Latte Lath played at right wing in last week’s friendly versus Sporting KC. Yeah, center back was *a* need. But there are so. many. needs. Adding two veteran defenders very likely won’t move the needle much. They desperately need a No. 6 and a winger or four. And an actual striker. And…look, the team needs some help.
