After failing to score in their first two matches of the 2026 MLS season, Atlanta United looks for a better result in their home opener.
Atlanta (0-2-0, 0 points) will host Real Salt Lake (1-1-0, 3 points) on Saturday, beginning a stretch where they will play four of the next seven matches at home.
Despite consecutive 2-0 losses, including a defeat against the San Jose Earthquakes, defender Enea Mihaj emphasized the need for a positive attitude.
“I think we need to trust our quality more as a team,” Mihaj said on Thursday. “Honestly, I feel we doubt ourselves a bit, which sometimes shows in the games when we don’t start well. But Saturday is a big opportunity for us.”
Real Salt Lake, who won 2-1 against the Seattle Sounders, will be without one of their key players. Diego Luna, who scored nine goals and made seven assists in 2025, is sidelined with a knee injury and has yet to play in 2026.
The club is being cautious with Luna’s return, especially with his potential inclusion in the U.S. World Cup roster, head coach Pablo Mastroeni said.
“We have to be careful in how we bring him back to ensure he is healthy for us in the coming months and ready for the U.S.,” Mastroeni told ESPN 700 in Salt Lake City on Wednesday.
While Salt Lake’s young players may bring energy—Aiden Hezarkhani, who scored against the Sounders, is 18, and midfielder Zavier Gozo turns 19 on March 22—Mastroeni noted that playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium could be difficult.
“Many of our young players have never played in an environment like this,” he said, “so it’s crucial to maintain emotional control early on and be more pragmatic in our approach, knowing Atlanta will push hard to engage their fans.”