Breaking down Atlanta United’s schedule, continuing with August :
But first, recaps:
May.
June.
Now, on to August:
August 4, Saturday, vs. Toronto FC, 4 p.m., ESPN
Last year's record: 20-5-9, first in the Eastern Conference, Supporters Shield winners and MLS Cup champs.
Last year's meetings: A pair of 2-2 draws. The first came on April 8 at BMO Field with Hector Villalba scoring two goals and on Oct. 22 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a game that cost the Five Stripes the second seed in the Eastern Conference after Sebastian Giovinco scored on a freekick in the final minutes.
Coach: Greg Vanney.
Designated Players:
Jozy Altidore: The 28-year-old forward has 38 goals in the past three seasons.
Sebastian Giovinco: The 30-year-old has scored 55 goals and notched 37 assists in the past three seasons.
Michael Bradley: The 30-year-old has 104 appearances for Toronto.
Notable new additions: None.
Notable players gone: Raheem Edwards was selected in the expansion draft and Steven Beitashour is out of contract.
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August 19, Sunday, vs. Columbus Crew SC, 4 p.m., FSS
Last year's record: 16-12-6, fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Last year's meetings: Atlanta United won 3-1 on June 17 at Bobby Dodd Stadium, won 2-0 on July 1 at MAPFRE Stadium and was beaten in a penalty-kick shootout in the playoffs on Oct. 26 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Coach: Gregg Berhalter, one of the more respected tacticians in MLS.
Designated Players:
Federico Higuain: The 33-year-old midfielder has 48 goals and 49 assists since joining Columbus for the 2012 season.
Jonathan Mensah: The 27-year-old defender appeared in 26 games last season.
Pedro Santos: The 29-year-old midfielder posted two assists in nine appearances last season.
Notable new additions:
Mike Grella: The 30-year-old midfielder made 73 appearances for the New York Red Bulls.
Eduardo Sosa: The 21-year-old midfielder comes as a Discovering signing from Zamora FC.
Notable players gone: Forward Kekuta Manneh is out of contract and defender Jukka Raitala was selected in the expansion draft. Ola Kamara was traded to the L.A. Galaxy in exchange for Gyasi Zardes. Justin Meram has also asked for a trade in anticipation of the move to Austin.
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August 24, Friday at Orlando City SC, 8 p.m., ESPN
Last year's record: 10-15-9, 10th place in the Eastern Conference.
Last year's meetings: Atlanta United won 1-0 on July 21 on a screaming shot by Hector Villalba, who a week later forced a 1-1 draw with a goal in the final minutes at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Coach: Jason Kreis.
Designated Players:
Josue Colman: Orlando City announced the signing of the Paraguayan attacking playmaker on Jan. 15.
Yoshimar Yotun: The 27-year-old midfielder had one goal and four assists in 10 appearances last season.
Notable new additions:
Sacha Kljestan: The 32-year-old midfielder scored 16 goals and notched 51 assists in three seasons with the New York Red Bulls.
R.J. Allen: The 27-year-old defender made 53 appearances with NYCFC from 2015-17.
Jose Villarreal: The 24-year-old midfielder made 68 appearances with the L.A. Galaxy from 2012-17.
Mohammed El-Munir: The 25-year-old defender is a Libyan national team player.
Notable players gone: Midfielder Kaka retired, forward Carlos Rivas and defender Tommy Redding were traded to New York Red Bulls, and the options were declined on the contracts of midfielders Antonio Nocerino and forward Giles Barnes. It appears that Cyle Larin, once an exemplary striker in MLS, will head to Europe.
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