Match Preview: Huntsville City FC vs Atlanta United 2
After an incredibly disappointing home defeat to Orlando City B, Huntsville City FC hit the road midweek to take on Atlanta United 2 in Athens.
Huntsville enter this one in 6th with 19 points from 11 games, while Atlanta have 14 points from 12 games played. Last time these teams met, they drew 2-2 in the Rocket City with Atlanta prevailing on penalties.
Let’s take a look.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, June 11th, 2025
Time: 5:00PM EST (local), 4:00PM CST (Huntsville)
Location: Turner Soccer Complex, Athens, Georgia
Watch: MLSNextPro.com, YouTube
Head Coaches: Chris O’Neal (HNT), Steve Cooke (ATL)
Lineup Prediction
Erik Lauta should get the start in goal with Xavier Valdez away on international duty, behind a pretty settled back four of Tyshawn Rose, Zach Barrett, Kevin Carmichael and Blake Bowen.
In midfield I’ve got Ethan O’Brien and Pep Casas, who both looked very good at the weekend. They support a front four of Christian Koffi, Alan Carleton, Damien Barker John and Gunnar Studenhofft, though I’m incredibly unsure how rotation is handled in this group specifically.
A bunch of players could start in the front four, and to make that decision I’d require a lot more information about injuries and fatigue and whatnot that I just don’t have access to, so I’ve gone with the default here, but expect me to be a little wrong in the front four.
Analysis & Prediction
Atlanta caused a LOT of problems for Huntsville last time these teams played on May 3rd, and Huntsville wasn’t at their best at the weekend. Maybe that was a wake up call, and the Rocket Men are better prepared to cover their own weaknesses, but maybe not.
Both teams enter this one having lost two of their last three. Both teams lost their last games 3-2, though Atlanta never had the lead against New York City FC II. Give me another draw between these sides, 1-1, with the Huntsville goal coming from Alan Carleton. Flip a coin on the shootout.