NY Red Bulls vs Atlanta – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday, two teams with little more than pride on the line will face off in an MLS Decision Day encounter, as the New York Red Bulls take on Atlanta United at Sports Illustrated Stadium to wrap up the regular season.

The Red Bulls’ hopes for the playoffs were dashed after a 3-2 defeat against Nashville SC, while Atlanta secured a 3-1 victory over Toronto, currently sitting 13th in the East—three spots behind the Red Bulls.

Match overview

Prior to the start of the 2025 campaign, the Red Bulls held the record for the longest streak of playoff appearances in the league at 15 consecutive years; however, their fans will see no post-season matches for the second year in a row.

Michael Bradley was unable to lead the team to the playoffs this year, and with their recent loss, their maximum points this season could only reach 42—a record low for them over a 34-match season.

They have struggled at a crucial time in 2026, dropping four out of their last five domestic matches before this game.

Defensively, the squad must address significant issues in the off-season as they possess the second-highest expected goals conceded average in the Eastern Conference this year (65.3).

Throughout the 2026 regular season, this team has squandered 10 points after scoring first in MLS, with only two of those slips occurring at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

The Red Bulls maintain an unbeaten record at home against Atlanta, having won this matchup last season by a score of 2-0.

For the first time in their history, Atlanta United will miss the playoffs for two consecutive years, as they have struggled with consistency all season long.

Gerardo Martino’s team is likely to finish the season with slightly more points than last year, currently standing at 33—five points above their disappointing tally in 2025, which was their worst-ever 34-game season.

Nonetheless, if they end up with a poorer result than DC United on Decision Day, Atlanta risks concluding 2026 in 14th place, equalling their worst finish in the Eastern Conference from the previous season.

A small glimmer of positivity is that a victory this weekend would give them five away wins for the year, representing their best total for this decade.

In front of goal, the team has struggled with consistency in 2026, averaging the third-fewest goals per game among Eastern Conference teams (1.3).

Atlanta United has recorded points in their last three Decision Day matches, all played away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including a 2-1 win against Orlando City in their final regular-season fixture of 2024.

Team News

With no incentive to play for, it seems unlikely that Justin Che will feature for the Red Bulls in this match as he recovers from a knee injury. Meanwhile, Ronald Donkor and Dylan Nealis are set to return from their suspensions.

In their recent loss against Nashville, Julian Hall and Rafael Mosquera found the net, with Hall scoring in his last two league matches.

For Atlanta, Will Reilly is grappling with an ankle injury, while Enea Mihaj is a doubt due to a hip issue.

Miguel Almiron, Cooper Sanchez, and Aleksei Miranchuk were decisive in their victory over Toronto, providing them with an essential three points.

New York Red Bulls probable starting XI

Horvath; Nealis, Parker, Bazan, Padelford; Mehmeti, Forsberg, Ruvalcaba; Cowell, Hall, Mosquera

Atlanta United probable starting XI

Holes; Jacob, Diaz, Alonso, Baez; Muyumba, Amaro; Miranchuk, Galoppo, Almiron; Embolo

Despite their challenges in New Jersey, a depleted Red Bulls side is anticipated this weekend, with only themselves to blame for their failure to qualify for the playoffs yet again.