The rivalry between Atlanta United and New York City Football Club (NYCFC) has quickly become one of the most exciting fixtures in Major League Soccer (MLS). Every time these two powerhouses meet, fans can expect explosive football, creative tactics, and unforgettable performances.
In this article, we will analyze the alineaciones (lineups) of both clubs, explore their tactical formations, highlight key players, and discuss how each side approaches this crucial Eastern Conference matchup. Whether you’re a passionate MLS fan or simply curious about how these teams line up, this in-depth guide offers everything you need to know.
The Rivalry: Atlanta United vs New York City FC
Since joining MLS in 2017, Atlanta United has been known for its attacking flair and passionate fanbase. Their home ground, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, regularly draws crowds of over 40,000 — a true fortress for the team.
On the other hand, New York City FC, founded in 2015, represents one of the league’s most technically gifted sides. With strong backing from the City Football Group, NYCFC emphasizes possession, fluid passing, and tactical discipline.
When these two clubs meet, it’s not just a game — it’s a battle of styles: Atlanta’s direct attacking speed versus New York City’s patient, controlled buildup.
Recent Lineups (Alineaciones) and Formations
Match 1: Atlanta United vs NYCFC – August 17, 2025
Atlanta United Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan
Defenders: Brooks Lennon, Luis Abram, Derrick Williams, Caleb Wiley
Midfielders: Tristan Muyumba, Thiago Almada (captain), Bartosz Slisz
Forwards: Xande Silva, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Saba Lobjanidze
New York City FC Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
Defenders: Tayvon Gray, Birk Risa, Thiago Martins, Kevin O’Toole
Midfielders: James Sands, Santiago Rodríguez, Andrés Perea
Forwards: Julián Fernández, Alonso Martínez, Mounsef Bakrar
Tactical Overview:
Atlanta deployed a 4-2-3-1 system designed to capitalize on Almada’s creativity behind Giakoumakis. Their approach focused on quick transitions and width through Lennon and Wiley.
NYCFC countered with a compact 4-3-3, relying on Rodríguez and Perea to dictate tempo. Despite New York’s possession advantage, Atlanta’s vertical style and pressing intensity made the difference.
Match 2: NYCFC vs Atlanta United – May 5, 2025
New York City FC Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
Defenders: Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Maxime Chanot, Kevin O’Toole
Midfielders: Keaton Parks, James Sands, Santiago Rodríguez
Forwards: Talles Magno, Mounsef Bakrar, Julián Fernández
Atlanta United Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan
Defenders: Brooks Lennon, Derrick Williams, Noah Cobb, Caleb Wiley
Midfielders: Tristan Muyumba, Thiago Almada, Dax McCarty
Forwards: Giorgos Giakoumakis, Xande Silva, Saba Lobjanidze
Tactical Overview:
This encounter at Yankee Stadium highlighted NYCFC’s technical strengths. The smaller pitch size suited their possession-based game, allowing short passing combinations and quick rotations in midfield.
Atlanta focused on counterattacks, using Almada’s vision to feed Giakoumakis and Silva. NYCFC’s defense, anchored by Thiago Martins, held firm under pressure, resulting in a tightly contested draw.
Match 3: Atlanta United vs NYCFC – September 2024
Atlanta United Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Quentin Westberg
Defenders: Brooks Lennon, Miles Robinson, Luis Abram, Andrew Gutman
Midfielders: Matheus Rossetto, Franco Ibarra, Thiago Almada
Forwards: Luiz Araújo, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Derrick Etienne Jr.
New York City FC Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Luis Barraza
Defenders: Mitja Ilenič, Maxime Chanot, Thiago Martins, Kevin O’Toole
Midfielders: Keaton Parks, James Sands, Gabriel Pereira
Forwards: Santiago Rodríguez, Talles Magno, Mounsef Bakrar
Tactical Overview:
This match showcased contrasting philosophies. Atlanta relied on dynamic pressing and vertical runs, while NYCFC sought to maintain long spells of possession. Almada’s creativity and Araújo’s pace gave Atlanta an edge, producing several scoring chances from open play.
Tactical Comparison: How Each Club Sets Up
Atlanta United’s Strategy
Atlanta United thrives on direct attacking transitions. Under most managers, their system emphasizes:
Fast wing play from Lennon and Wiley
Creative freedom for Thiago Almada
A strong target man in Giakoumakis
Pressing high to win the ball quickly
This approach makes Atlanta one of the league’s most entertaining sides. Their ability to switch from defense to attack in seconds keeps opponents constantly under pressure.
New York City FC’s Strategy
NYCFC’s game is based on possession and positional control. Their main characteristics include:
Building from the back using ball-playing defenders
Overlapping full-backs to stretch the field
A double pivot with Sands and Parks for balance
Fluid movement among forwards like Magno and Rodríguez
This patient, calculated approach often forces the opponent to chase the ball, giving NYCFC territorial dominance.
Key Players to Watch
Atlanta United
Thiago Almada: The creative heartbeat, responsible for unlocking defenses with passing and dribbling.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: A powerful striker with clinical finishing.
Brooks Lennon: Reliable in defense and attack, often providing crucial assists.
New York City FC
Santiago Rodríguez: The midfield playmaker and one of MLS’s most intelligent creators.
James Sands: Combines composure and tactical awareness, essential for ball recovery.
Talles Magno: Brings flair and unpredictability in one-on-one situations.
The Importance of the Fixture
Every meeting between Atlanta United and NYCFC is more than a regular MLS match — it’s a test of tactical adaptability, squad depth, and mentality. Both clubs often occupy playoff positions, meaning every point is vital for postseason qualification.
Fans witness not just a football match but an exhibition of contrasting styles that define modern MLS — speed versus structure, flair versus precision.
Prediction and Outlook
Going forward, both sides are expected to maintain their signature approaches. Atlanta United will continue to rely on their attacking trio led by Almada, while NYCFC’s evolution depends on how effectively they can blend youth with experience.
If both clubs stay consistent, their encounters could easily decide who dominates the Eastern Conference standings.
Final Thoughts
The alineaciones de Atlanta United contra New York City Football Club reflect more than just a list of players — they represent tactical philosophy, club identity, and passion.
Atlanta United stands for intensity and entertainment, while New York City FC embodies control and sophistication. Every match between them adds another thrilling chapter to MLS history.