George Bello may start for the second time his season in Atlanta United’s game against New England at Mercedes-Benz on Saturday.
Manager Gerardo Martino said there was a good chance that Bello, a 16-year-old native of Douglasville, will replace Chris McCann, who is ineligible to play because of yellow card accumulation. McCann received a yellow card in last week’s 2-0 loss at New York Red Bulls.
Bello played well in his first this season in a 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake. He played 73 minutes, tied for the team lead in tackles and came within a goal-line clearance of scoring.
Whether Martino opts for Bello or Jose Hernandez, who also made his first appearance in the game against Real Salt Lake, Saturday’s game against the Revolution is important.
The Five Stripes lead New York Red Bulls 64-63 in points in the race for the Supporters’ Shield. Each team has three games remaining. Any combination of nine points won by Atlanta United or dropped by the Red Bulls will result in the Five Stripes winning the shield. Any combination of four points won or dropped will result in Atlanta United clinching a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League.
In other injury updates, Martino said fullback Greg Garza is still gaining strength in his shoulder.
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