Atlanta United kicks off preseason with 4-0 win

Manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino praises team's performance in victory over Lexington SC

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Atlanta United began their 2026 preseason schedule on Friday, January 30 with a 4-0 victory over USL club Lexington SC. Manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino was pleased with the team's performance, highlighting the quick ball movement and goal-scoring opportunities. Standout players included Miguel Almiron, who scored a goal, and new goalkeepers Lucas Hoyos and Jayden Hibbert, who both saw time in net.

Why it matters

For Atlanta United, one of the most popular MLS clubs, the preseason opener was an opportunity to put the disappointing 2025 season behind them and begin anew under Martino's leadership. The strong performance against Lexington SC suggests the team may be poised for a bounce-back year, though the level of competition should be considered.

The details

Atlanta United dominated possession and created numerous scoring chances from the opening whistle. Almiron opened the scoring in the 11th minute, and he added a third goal in the 37th minute. Alexey Miranchuk also found the back of the net in the 42nd minute to round out the scoring. Defensively, new goalkeepers Hoyos and Hibbert both impressed, with Hoyos leading the team's build-up play in the first half and Hibbert commanding the box in the second half.

  • The match began at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • Almiron scored in the 11th and 37th minutes.
  • Miranchuk scored in the 42nd minute.

The players

Gerardo 'Tata' Martino

The manager of Atlanta United, who praised the team's performance in the preseason opener.

Miguel Almiron

The former and current Atlanta United superstar, who scored two goals in the match.

Lucas Hoyos

One of the new goalkeepers for Atlanta United, who impressed in the team's build-up play in the first half.

Jayden Hibbert

The other new goalkeeper for Atlanta United, who commanded the box in the second half.

Stian Gregersen

A crucial defender for Atlanta United, who missed time due to injuries in the 2025 season but looked sharp in the preseason opener.

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What they’re saying

“You're seeing some of the things we're working on. It was a good start.”

— Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, Manager (theatlantavoice.com)

“I think defensively, they didn't have a lot to do, but in the build-up, we were able to see what they could do, especially in the first half when the opponent was pressing. In the second half, Jayden didn't have as much of an opportunity because the opponent had dropped off and weren't pressing as much.”

— Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, Manager (theatlantavoice.com)

What’s next

Next on the schedule for Atlanta United will be an MLS match against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, February 7 at 8 p.m. in Houston. The team will then remain in Texas to play matches against Red Bull New York on Wednesday, February 11 and on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14.

The takeaway

Atlanta United's strong preseason opener suggests the team may be poised for a bounce-back year after a disappointing 2025 season. The quick ball movement, goal-scoring, and solid defensive play are encouraging signs, though the level of competition should be considered. If the team can carry this momentum into the regular season, Atlanta United fans may have reason to be optimistic about their club's chances in 2026.