Busy Weekend for the Five Stripes: ATLUTD 2 Kicks Off, ATLUTD hosts Red Bulls and Unified Signing Day

Atlanta United fans, get ready for an action-packed weekend as the Five Stripes prepare for a jam-packed slate of soccer action!

Atlanta United 2 vs New York Red Bulls II at Fifth Third Stadium

It all starts with Atlanta United 2 opening the 2025 MLS Next Pro season hosting the New York Red Bulls II this evening at Fifth Third Stadium.

The 2's finished 13th in the eastern conference last season with a record of 7-7-14. It's a clean slate for the 2's as they get ready for the new season. There are a few new editions to the roster as Ronan Wynne, Ryan Carmichael and Patrick Weah.

Credit: Madison Crews

There are a few key returners to the squad including goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert, Rodrigo Neri and captain, Javier Armas.

"Our job is to make sure we are so good with the ball that we can eliminate that press, and when we do make mistakes and we do give the ball away, we have to physically match their output as well. If not match it, then go beyond it," said head Coach Steve Cooke when asked about the challenges that Red Bulls bring.

"They're always exciting games. Usually, we have games that are full of goals with them. Hopefully, they are only going in our direction and not the other way. It's our home opener and it's the first game of the season. None of us know what we are really going to get. Nobody's got too much video on each other, but I do think our boys are prepared and I think we understand what Red bulls are going to bring to us, but they might have a few worries of their own against us. "

Great ready for the upcoming season by watching the Atlanta United 2 MLS Next Pro 2025 Season Preview on SDH Network's YouTube.

Pregame coverage will being at 7:00 p.m. Madison Crews, Jarrett Smith and Jason Longshore will get you read for the match. You can listen to ATLUTD 2 all season long on the SDH Network You can listen to ATLUTD 2 all season long on the SDH Network.

Atlanta United hosting New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

On Saturday, the Five Stripes host New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. Atlanta is looking to bounce back after a 2-0 loss on the road to Charlotte FC.

It has been the tale of two halves in the first two matches of the season for the Atlanta. It has been a huge talking point this week at training which is putting together a full 90 minutes on the pitch.

"We have a good group, we just need to stay consistent throughout the full game,” said defender Matt Edwards . “There are a lot of things we have to work on, but a lot of positives that we’ve taken away out of the first two games. As a group, we’re growing every day.”

With five home games in six matches, getting three points at home is a must.

Credit: Sofia Cupertino

“Home game, it really doesn't matter who you’re playing, first place or last place,” Saba Lobjanidze said after training Thursday. “We have to go for three points.”

The Red Bulls are coming off of a 2-0 win over Nashville last weekend. The last time these two sides played against, Atlanta United beat the Red Bulls 2-1 in the last home game of the season for Atlanta.

“It's a totally different game from the other games, and that's what's interesting,” said Ronny Deila in media on Thursday when asked about the Red Bulls. “Every game, the opponents have their own style, so we know what we have to do.”

You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass or you can listen to it on Star 94 and on the Audacy app. Pregame coverage will start at 6:30 p.m. with Abe Gordon and Madison Crews, and then Mike Conti and Jason Longshore will have the call.

Unified Signing Day on Sunday

On Sunday, it's Unified Signing Day. This event kicks off the 2025 season as the Unified team members sign their 2025 contracts, receive their kits and celebrate with their friends and family. Madison Crews and Jason Longshore will have all of that coverage for you on the SDH Network.

Big weekend 17's! Come on out and support the Five Stripes!