Our prediction for this MLS match:
Montreal and Atlanta United go head to head at Saputo Stadium in a highly-anticipated MLS game. Montreal suffered a dip in form, with the team losing to both Columbus Crew and New England Revolution in the previous two league fixtures. The Canadians are desperate to regain their spot in top seven, and they are likely to adopt an attack-minded approach in Sunday’s football game. Keep in mind, though, that all Struna, Thorkelsson, and Toye are out of contention with injuries.
The Five Stripes, on the other hand, quickly bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia, with the team beating Inter Miami thanks to Josef Martinez’s goal. The Venezuela attacker has been in a fine form of late, and he is likely to prove a handful for the opposition defenders. Atlanta, though, are not regarded as good travelers, and that is the main reason why home win should be considered. All Hyndman, Sejdic, and Ibarra are likely to miss the game with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Jukka Raitala):
Columbus Crew full back Jukka Raitala was born in Kerava, Finland on September 15, 1988. Raitala started his senior career at Klubi-04 and after making 22 league appearances for the club, he moved to HJK in 2007. After ending his spell with Helsinki, the Finland international signed a loan deal with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
During his spell with die Kraichgauer he appeared for the reserve team as well and in 2011 he was loaned again, this time out to Osasuna. On August 28, 2011 he made his Primera Division debut with los Rojillos playing as a left back against Atletico Madrid. Raitala played for the likes of Heerenveen, FC Vestsjaelland, Aalborg and Sogndal in the past as well he signed for Columbus Crew for the 2017 season.
The Columbus defender made his Finland debut on February 4, 2009 in a friendly against Japan. It has to be noted that he represented Finland at the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship in 2009.
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).