The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between Atlanta United FC and CF Montreal Impact at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
Atlanta United FC
- 2024 Record: 13-10-6, 4th in Eastern Conference, reached the playoffs but lost in the MLS Cup final
- Key Players: Rob Valentino (Head Coach), Josef Martínez, Brad Guzan, Miles Robinson, Luiz Araújo
- Strengths: Atlanta United had a strong playoff run in 2024, reaching the MLS Cup final. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: Atlanta United struggled on the road, winning only one of their last nine MLS away fixtures not counting the playoffs. They will need to improve their away form to be successful this season.
CF Montreal Impact
- 2024 Record: 15-17-2, reached the playoffs but lost in the second round
- Key Players: Laurent Courtois (Head Coach), Lassi Lappalainen, Jonathan Sirois, Joaquín Torres, Victor Wanyama
- Strengths: CF Montreal finished the 2024 season strong, winning three of their final four league contests. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: CF Montreal struggled early in the season, losing four of their first five games. They have not won their first match of an MLS campaign since 2018.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM PST
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- Atlanta United FC: The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners have turned to Rob Valentino to guide the team to an MLS Cup. They have added Brad Guzan and Luiz Araújo ahead of this season and also brought in goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong from South Korean top-flight side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC. Their biggest departure was Josef Martínez, who was traded to CF Montreal.
- CF Montreal Impact: After a poor start to the 2024 season, CF Montreal hired Laurent Courtois to maximize the team’s high-priced talent. They have lost key players like Rafael Czichos and Gastón Giménez, but have added Jonathan Sirois and Joaquín Torres to bolster their squad.
Key Matchups
- Josef Martínez vs. Atlanta United Defense: Martínez’s presence on the field will be a major factor for CF Montreal. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test Atlanta United’s defensive capabilities.
- Atlanta United’s Front Line vs. CF Montreal’s Defense: Atlanta United’s attacking trio will look to exploit any weaknesses in CF Montreal’s defense and create scoring chances.
