MLS keeps delivering high-stakes drama, and this weekend’s clash between San Diego FC and Atlanta United is another must-watch battle. Both sides come into September looking to strengthen their playoff push, and the mix of new faces, tactical tweaks, and raw fan passion makes this matchup one that neutral supporters will also circle on the calendar.
Kickoff Timing (San Diego FC vs Atlanta United)
- 🇺🇸 USA (Eastern Time, EDT): 20 September 2025, 4:30 PM
- 🇬🇧 UK (BST): 20 September 2025, 9:30 PM
- 🇮🇳 India (IST): 21 September 2025, 2:00 AM
San Diego FC: The Expansion Team Finding Its Feet
San Diego might be the league’s newest club, but they’ve wasted no time making noise. The summer signing of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has completely changed the atmosphere around the club. His creativity, speed, and leadership have lifted a young squad that already had talent in players like Andres Dreyer and Onni Valakari.
Image – San Diego FC (Official)
In September, San Diego are still inconsistent, but you can see the identity forming — quick transitions, aggressive pressing, and attacking football in front of their home crowd. Fans in Snapdragon Stadium have been electric, and they’ll look to play their part again against an Atlanta team known for thriving in big occasions.
Atlanta United: Playoff Hunters With Big Stars
Atlanta are no strangers to high-pressure games. Even after some up-and-down form earlier in 2025, they remain firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff mix. M.Almiron, who has become one of the most dangerous creators in MLS, continues to be the heartbeat of this team. Around him, J.thiare is still a goal threat up top, while new additions like Stian Gregersen have stabilized the backline.
Image – Atlanta United FC (Official)
The big question for Atlanta fans in September is whether they can finally find consistency on the road. Winning away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been their Achilles heel, and San Diego’s loud support will make it no easier to win.
Head-to-Head History
Since San Diego are still in their debut MLS season, this will be one of the first competitive meetings between the two clubs. That gives the matchup an extra layer of intrigue — fresh rivalries are often born in these kinds of moments.
San Diego FC vs Atlanta United Predicted Lineups
San Diego FC (4-3-3)
| Position | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GK | C. d. Santos | 6.0 |
| LB | C. McVey | 7.1 |
| CB | M. Duah | 6.5 |
| CB | P. McNair | 7.1 |
| RB | L. Bombino | 7.4 |
| CM | O. Valakari | 7.5 |
| CM | J. Tverskov (c) | 8.5 |
| CM | L. D. L. Torre | 6.6 |
| LW | A. Dreyer | 6.4 |
| ST | A. Pellegrino | 6.3 |
| RW | H. Lozano | 8.3 |
Atlanta United (4-2-3-1)
| Position | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GK | J. Hibbert | 5.9 |
| LB | R. Hernández | 5.9 |
| CB | S. Gregersen | 6.4 |
| CB | E. Mihaj | 6.0 |
| RB | P. Amador | 7.2 |
| CM | S. Alzate | 6.5 |
| CM | M. Almirón (c) | 7.8 |
| CM | T. Muyumba | 6.1 |
| LW | S. Lobjanidze | 6.7 |
| ST | J. Thiaré | 9.1 |
| RW | L. Brennan | 6.3 |
| Sub | D. Rossi | 9.1 |
Key Players to Watch
Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC): The Mexican international has instantly become the face of the club. His dribbling and final-third decision-making can unlock any defense.
M.Almiron (Atlanta United): The Paraguay playmaker has the ability to tilt matches with a single pass or strike. If Atlanta are going to win, he needs to be at his best.
Jamal Thiare (Atlanta United): Against San Diego’s young defense, his experience and physicality could be decisive.
Where the Game Will Be Won
This one comes down to midfield control. San Diego thrive when Valakari and J.terskov can link quickly with Lozano, while Atlanta rely heavily on M.Almiron ability to dictate tempo. If Atlanta can silence Lozano, they’ll fancy their chances, but if San Diego score early at home, the atmosphere could overwhelm the visitors.
Atlanta United vs San Diego FC (Odds)
Full-time Result
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 (Atlanta United) | 2.55 |
| X (Draw) | 3.40 |
| 2 (San Diego FC) | 2.55 |
Double Chance
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1X | 1.50 |
| X2 | 1.50 |
| 12 | 1.30 |
1st Half Result
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 (Atlanta United) | 3.00 |
| X (Draw) | 2.40 |
| 2 (San Diego FC) | 3.00 |
Draw No Bet
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| Atlanta United | 1.83 |
| San Diego FC | 1.83 |
Both Teams to Score
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| Yes | 1.44 |
| No | 2.62 |
Match Goals
| Line | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.03 | 15.00 |
| 1.5 | 1.16 | 5.00 |
| 2.5 | 1.57 | 2.35 |
| 3.5 | 2.25 | 1.57 |
| 4.5 | 4.00 | 1.22 |
| 5.5 | 8.00 | 1.08 |
| 6.5 | 17.00 | 1.02 |
| 7.5 | 29.00 | 1.00 |
Asian Handicap
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| (0) Atlanta United | 1.90 |
| (0) San Diego FC | 1.90 |
First to Score
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| Atlanta United | 1.90 |
| No Goal | 17.00 |
| San Diego FC | 1.90 |
Score Prediction
This feels like a wide-open game with plenty of attacking talent on both sides. Expect chances at both ends, but with Lozano in red-hot form and San Diego’s fans pushing them forward, I’ll back the newcomers to grab another statement win.
Prediction: San Diego FC 2-1 Atlanta United
Where to Watch
Fans in the USA and worldwide can catch the game live on the Apple TV MLS Season Pass. Kick-off is scheduled for September 2025 (check local time zones for updates).
Featured Image – Discover Atlanta
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