Match Preview: Atlanta United 2 v Chattanooga FC
Local rivalry resumes on Sunday afternoon
Game details
Match: Atlanta United 2 v Chattanooga FC
Date: Sunday, March 30th, 2025. 15:30 (Eastern)
Venue: Fifth Third Stadium, Kennesaw, GA. Capacity: 10,200
How to watch: MLS Next Pro on YouTube
Tickets: Kennesaw State Website
Sunday’s MLS Next Pro match-up between 12th place Atlanta United 2 and 4th place Chattanooga FC will kick off at 3:30pm, four hours earlier than originally scheduled. The game won’t be on Apple+ but rather will be streamed by the league on YouTube.
Atlanta United 2 have the superior record of the two sides in previous meetings, but Chattanooga come into the game enjoying better form. The latter will also have an eye on their mid-week US Open cup clash with the Red Wolves.
In terms of current form, Atlanta United 2 has started the season with a narrow 1-0 home defeat by New York Red Bulls II and a 2-2 draw at Orlando City B, where it fell 4-1 on penalties. Luke Brennan and 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick Ronan Wynne scored away at Orlando.
Chattanooga FC is three from three so far in 2025, having scored victory away at Inter Miami II and at home against Huntsville City and Corpus Christi (in the Open Cup). Milo Garvanian, Keegan Ancelin, and Daniel Mangarov are each on 1 goal and 1 assist across the club’s three games.
The History
Atlanta United 2 have the upper-hand when it comes to past meetings between these two sides, enjoying a 2-0-1 record. Last season, the teams played in three closely-fought matches with Atlanta just edging the head-to-head (1W-1D-1L, 1SOW by CFC).
In their first meeting in April at Fifth Third Stadium, a Javier Armas gave Chattanooga FC their first loss of the 2024 season. Atlanta won the game 1-0. The following month, at Finley Stadium, the two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 tie. Javier Armas, again, and Luke Brennan each found the back for Atlanta, with Milo Garvanian and Jesus Ibarra finishing off a pair of Alex McGrath assists. CFC won the resulting penalty shootout. In September, the sides met for the final time of 2024, in Chattanooga, with the visiting side winning 4-3. Garvanian and Mehdi Ouamri (x2) scored for CFC, while Karim Tmimi, Alan Carleton, Ashton Gordon and another penalty for Javier Armas gave Atlanta all three points.
After Sunday’s game, the two teams will not meet again until the latter stages of the season with Atlanta hosting once more on September 24th and Chattanooga hosting on Decision Day, October 5th.
Atlanta Lineup Prediction
Steve Cooke has a fully fit squad available to him. In their two games so far, Cooke has rotated players around his defense and midfield. But with all players available I’d expect him to more-or-less retain the starting XI he put out in Orlando. Canadian defender Salvatore Mazzaferro is a key player for this side, having contributed 1 assist and completed 95% of his passes so far this season. Ryan Carmichael and Rodrigo Neri are dangerous attackers that Chattanooga’s defense will need to marshal closely.
Chattanooga Lineup Prediction
Head Coach Chris Nugent has been pretty consistent about his selections so far this season. And while I don’t at all anticipate him taking Wednesday’s Cup fixture lightly, I do expect him to stick with a strongest lineup for this game. Ethan Dudley (formerly of Atlanta United 2) and Logan Brown have been rotating, so I expect them to swap out again. Daniel Mangarov or Minjae Kwak may well be replaced by a now-fit Jesus Ibarra, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them start.
If iconic striker Markus Naglestad plays, he’ll be making his 100th appearance for the club, a milestone matched only by Zeca Ferraz and Juan Hernandez. Captain Alex McGrath isn’t far behind on 97 appearances. If the Norwegian scores, it will be 60 goals in 100 games.
Jalen James and Ameziane Sid Mohand are still expected to be injured, but new signing Peter Plougmand could make an appearance, as I believe he is fit.
Analysis and Predictions
Across three meetings last year Atlanta beat CFC home and away, drawing once away also. However, there is no doubt that Chattanooga come into this game enjoying better form with three wins from three across all competitions.
This pairing scored 12 goals in those three games, so I expect goals for sure. I’m going for a 2-2 tie.