The starting 11 for Atlanta United in Saturday’s game at Toronto will likely be very familiar … with one exception.

Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron and holding midfielder Carlos Carmona should return after featuring as substitutes in last week’s 0-0 draw at Seattle. They would replace Chris McCann and Jeff Larentowicz. McCann made his first start last week and Larentowicz his second. Almiron started the three previous games and Carmona two of the three.

The biggest change may be Kenwyne Jones making his first start as the forward, with Hector Villalba moving back to right midfielder, where he started the first three games.

The defense will remain as it has: Alec Kann in goal, Tyrone Mears and Greg Garza as the fullbacks, and Leandro Pirez and captain Michael Parkhurst as the centerhalves.

The inclusion of Almiron and Carmona in their familiar roles, with Villalba moving to the wing, should give the offense the fluidity that it seemed to lack against Seattle.

Atlanta United was shut out for the first time in four games.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (right) reacts with her teammate, guard Rhyne Howard, after a basket during the second half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta. 
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)