Our prediction for this MLS match:
Following a 2-0 loss to Colorado Rapids, Los Angeles Galaxy will look to give fans some cheer when they take on Atlanta United on Monday morning. Galaxy will again rely on key attacker Javier Hernandez Chicharito against Atlanta as the Mexico international is back in training, while both Jorge Villafana and Adam Saldana remain in the treatment room.
The Five Stripes, on the other hand, head into the match with a severely weakened squad as all Hyndman, Lennon, Hernandez, Gutman, Robinson, Guzan, Caastanheira, and Alonso continue to miss out with injuries. Since Chicharito and Co. will not have a better chance than this to get back on course, we are tempted to put our money on the home side. In their last meeting in the Major League Soccer Atlanta United defeated LA Galaxy 3-0, meaning that Greg Vanney’s troops are hungry for revenge.
Highlighted Player (Jorge Villafaña):
Jorge Villafana is an American footballer who began his senior career at Chivas USA. Villafana was born in Anaheim, California on September 16, 1989 and he played for the likes of Santa Ana DSP Juventus and Chivas USA during his youth career.
Nowadays, the American footballer plays for Portland Timbers, but it has to be noted that he made no more than eight appearances for the club in the 2018 season. In 2015, though, Jorge Villafana did well to win the MLS Cup in 2015 and three years later he clinched the Liga MX trophy (Clausura) with Santos Laguna.
Speaking of his international career, the Portland Timbers man made his full USA debut in a friendly against Serbia on January 29, 2017. Over the years Villafana has established himself as a first-choice left-back in the national team. His main position is left-back, but he is capable of playing as a left midfielder as well. The USA international has a dual citizenship (USA, Mexico).
Highlighted Team (Atlanta United):
Atlanta United is a Major League Soccer club and they were founded on April 16, 2014. They are based in Atlanta, Georgia and they will make their debut in MLS in 2017. Arthur Blank is the club’s owner and Bobby Dodd Stadium is Atlanta United’s home ground.
Arthur Blank is an American businessman, who is well known for his ownership of the NFL club Atlanta Falcons. The venue was opened on September 27, 1913 and its’ current capacity is 60.316. However, it has to be noted that the team will play first eight home games of the 2017 season at Bobby Dodd Stadium, while the latter nine fixtures will be hosted by Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Speaking of the club’s colors, Atlanta United footballers wear black and red shirts and black shorts with a little bit of gold mixed in. Gerardo Martino, who used to be in charge of La Liga side Barcelona in the past, will coach Atlanta United in the 2017 MLS season. Tata Martino won the Spanish Super Cup with Barca, while making it to the Copa America final with Argentina on two occasions (2015, 2016).