Match preview: Atlanta United faces Real Salt Lake for the first time since 2022

Atlanta United suffered its first loss under interim head coach Rob Valentino on Wednesday after going undefeated in its last four MLS games. It was a late goal from Daniel Ríos on Saturday that kept New England from keeping a clean sheet. Atlanta United is now 2-1-1 in its last four away games. Before traveling to face New England and Real Salt Lake, the 5-Stripes earned their first home win since March and did so in spectacular fashion. A last-second goal from Jamal Thiare gave Atlanta United a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC.

Real Salt Lake is having a very good season. As of Saturday, it is in second place in the MLS Western Conference with 40 points. Like Atlanta, it also played a game on Wednesday. Goals from Braian Ojeda, Diego Luna and Andes Gomez allowed Salt Lake to beat Houston Dynamo FC 3-2.

These two clubs have only met four times in total; Atlanta has won three of those four games. The last time Atlanta and Salt Lake met was almost two years ago, on July 13, 2022, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 5-Stripes won 2-1 against Real Salt Lake.

Daniel Rios (Atlanta United) – Between injuries, international call-ups and transfers, Atlanta United’s starting XI has changed a lot during the 2024 season. Since his acquisition in late March, Daniel Ríos has shown his ability to create high-quality scoring chances. His two most recent goals were an equalizer against St. Louis CITY SC and a late goal against New England Revolution.

Cristian Arango (The Real Salt Lake) – The Colombian forward not only leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 16 goals, but he was also just selected to the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. Since joining Real Salt Lake during the 2023 Secondary Transfer Window, Arango has tallied 22 goals and 12 assists in just 31 games.