Thu Jul 17 01:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Guzan Returns as Atlanta United Welcomes Chicago Fire to Fortress MBS**

**Atlanta, GA –** Atlanta United fans will be cheering as they welcome the team back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET to face the Chicago Fire, with a familiar face back between the posts. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan returns to the starting lineup after recovering from a fractured cheekbone sustained against D.C. United earlier this month. He will be wearing a protective mask for added safety.

Guzan’s return comes after missing his first regular season start since June of 2024, and he is only one match away from 300 career MLS regular season appearances. He also comes back tied for third-most saves in the MLS this season with 75.

The rest of the starting XI remains unchanged from Saturday’s match against Toronto FC: Luis Abram, Efraín Morales, Pedro Amador, and Brooks Lennon comprise the defensive unit, looking to maintain their clean sheet streak from open play over the last two matches. Lennon recently celebrated his 150th MLS regular season start with Atlanta United, only the second player after Guzan to reach that milestone.

The midfield will be anchored by Tristan Muyumba and Bartosz Slisz, alongside Alexey Miranchuk. The trio aims to replicate their impressive passing accuracy from the Toronto game, controlling the midfield and dictating the flow of the attack.

Up front, Saba Lobjanidze, Latte Lath, and captain Miguel Almirón will lead the charge. Lath looks to build on his first goal since March 29, while Almirón, just one assist shy of tying Thiago Almada for third-most in club history (33), hopes to continue his strong form as captain. Almirón will captain the 5-Stripes for the second match in a row.

Defender Efraín Morales has excelled in his three-straight starts in the last three matches. According to FBref.com, he accrued 20 clearances and won 12 aerial duels in those appearances. Atlanta United will be aiming to extend their perfect home record against Chicago Fire, having won all seven previous MLS regular season matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. All four of Atlanta United’s wins this season have come at home. The 5-Stripes just completed the longest road trip in their history, playing five away matches in a row.

**Starting XI:** Brad Guzan, Brooks Lennon, Efraín Morales, Luis Abram, Pedro Amador, Bartosz Slisz, Tristan Muyumba, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (C), Emmanuel Latte Lath, Saba Lobjanidze

**Reserves:** Jayden Hibbert, Noah Cobb, Matt Edwards, Ronald Hernández, Mateusz Klich, Will Reilly, Luke Brennan, Jamal Thiaré, Cayman Togashi

Tickets are still available for tonight’s match. Visit online or contact ticket sales at ticketsales@atlutd.com or 470-341-1500. Multi Match Plans are also available.

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