That the easiest of Atlanta United’s 10 remaining MLS matches features the world’s best player shows how tough the team’s task will be over the next two months.
The schedule, to be kind, is brutal. Only one of the teams it will face currently is below the playoff line in the Eastern or Western conferences.
It features not one but two matches against Cincinnati, the runaway leader to win the Supporters Shield. It includes traveling across the country to Seattle. It includes playing in the heat of Texas.
Lastly, the easiest on the schedule is Miami, which has taken only a lowly 18 points, worst in the league, making them the front-runner to take the Wooden Spoon. But Miami also has added Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the past few weeks and is unbeaten in the Leagues Cup.
Atlanta United has work to do to achieve its goal of finishing at least in fourth in the Eastern Conference. The team is in seventh with 35 points, an average of 1.46 per game.
Here is a quick look at the remaining schedule:
Aug. 20 at Seattle Sounders, 10:30 p.m., 36 points, 6-3-4 at home
The Sounders have three wins in their past 12 and didn’t acquire any significant transfers during the recent window.
Aug. 26 vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m., 38 points
The Coyotes have one win in their past six in league play, but have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. Nashville defeated Atlanta United 3-1 in their first meeting at GEODIS Park.
Aug. 30 vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m., 51 points
The Queen City club is 2-2-1 in its past five as it continues to grind down opponent after opponent.
Sept. 2 at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m., 30 points, 6-3-2 at home
Dallas has one win its past six league matches.
Sept. 16 vs. Inter Miami CF, 5 p.m., 18 points
Messi. Nothing more needs to be written, though it should be pointed out that Miami already has beaten Atlanta United twice this season.
Sept. 20 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m., 30 points, 4-3-4 at home
Wayne Rooney’s club is 2-1-2 in its past five. It is a club in turmoil with Taxi Fountas and seeing Lewis O’Brien’s loan spell end. Atlanta United defeated D.C. United 3-1 in their first meeting.
Sept. 23 vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m., 29 points
The only one of the remaining two opponents that are below the playoff line. Atlanta United defeated Montreal 1-0 in their previous meeting.
Oct. 4 at Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m., 40 points, 8-1-2 at home
The Union have three wins in their past five and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. Atlanta United played arguably its best game this season in defeating Jim Curtin’s team 2-0 earlier this season.
Oct. 7 vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m., 36 points
A team that has added Diego Rossi, Julian Gressel and Rudy Camacho. Columbus defeated Atlanta United 6-1 in their first meeting. Both teams were missing numerous starters because of international call-ups.
Oct. 21 at FC Cincinnati, TBA, 51 points, 11-0-1 at home
Decision Day. Atlanta United may be fighting just to get into the playoffs.
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Atlanta United’s 2023 MLS schedule
Feb. 25 Atlanta United 2, San Jose Earthquakes 1
March 4 Atlanta United 1, Toronto FC 1
March 11 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte FC 0
March 18 Atlanta United 5, Portland 1
March 25 Columbus 6, Atlanta United 1
April 1 Atlanta United 1, New York Red Bulls 0
April 8 Atlanta United 1, New York City FC 1
April 15 Atlanta United 2, Toronto FC 2
April 23 Atlanta United 2, Chicago 1
April 29 Nashville SC 3, Atlanta United 1
May 6 Inter Miami CF 2, Atlanta United 1
May 13 Charlotte 3, Atlanta United 1
May 17 Atlanta United 4, Colorado 0
May 20 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 3
May 27 Atlanta United 1, Orlando 1
May 31 Atlanta United 3, New England 3
June 7 Atlanta United 0, LAFC 0
June 10 Atlanta United 3, D.C. United 1
June 21 Atlanta United 2, New York City 2
June 24 New York Red Bulls 4, Atlanta United 0
July 2 Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 0
July 8 Atlanta United 1, Montreal 0
July 12 New England 2, Atlanta United 1
July 15 Orlando City 2, Atlanta United 1
July 25 Miami 4, Atlanta United 0 in Leagues Cup
July 29 Cruz Azul 1 (5), Atlanta United (4) 1 in Leagues Cup
Aug. 20 at Seattle Sounders, 10:30 p.m.
Aug. 26 vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 30 vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 2 at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 vs. Inter Miami CF, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 at FC Cincinnati, TBA
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