Atlanta United vs Dc United Picks and Predictions October 18th 2025

Atlanta United vs D.C. United Match Preview

The Atlanta United will close out their 2025 Major League Soccer campaign with a sentimental night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan takes the field for the final time. Guzan, 41, has announced his retirement following Saturday’s clash against the D.C. United, ending a remarkable two-decade career that included MLS Cup, U.S. Open Cup, and international honors.

Atlanta (5-16-12, 27 points) enter the finale in last place in the Eastern Conference and could finish at the bottom of the overall league standings if they fail to win. For Guzan and his teammates, the goal is to finish a difficult season with pride and deliver a performance worthy of the club’s early legacy.

D.C. United (5-18-10, 25 points) also sit near the basement of the table and have been eliminated from playoff contention for the sixth consecutive year. The match may not carry postseason stakes, but it remains meaningful as both sides seek to end on a positive note before a busy offseason.

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Line Movement and Odds

Atlanta opened as home favorites at +105, while D.C. United are priced near +260 and the draw sits around +240. The total is set at 2.5 goals, with bettors leaning slightly toward the under given both clubs’ inconsistent finishing. Atlanta have won just one of their past ten matches, while D.C. United have failed to score in three of their last four outings.

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Matchup Breakdown

Atlanta’s season has been one of frustration, but Brad Guzan’s farewell offers a final chance to honor a foundational player. Since joining midway through the club’s inaugural 2017 campaign, Guzan has made over 200 appearances and played a key role in the 2018 MLS Cup and 2019 U.S. Open Cup titles. His leadership and longevity have defined Atlanta’s identity, even as the club has struggled in recent years.

Head coach Gonzalo Pineda is expected to give Guzan the start, allowing the veteran to play in front of the home crowd one last time. Atlanta will look to feed off that energy, with Giorgos Giakoumakis and Thiago Almada likely leading the attack. Almada remains one of the few bright spots, contributing creativity and flair in a rebuilding season.

D.C. United arrive on a four-match winless run, having lost three straight. The Black-and-Red’s defensive issues have persisted, conceding 60 goals this season — among the highest totals in the conference. Interim manager Rene Weiler, hired in July, has emphasized accountability and a stronger mentality, but results have yet to follow.

Defender Connor Antley summed up the club’s frustration this week, calling for greater focus and a commitment to rebuilding the competitive spirit that once defined D.C. United’s dynasty years. The front office, led by recently hired sporting director Erkut Sogut, will face a pivotal offseason as they look to reset the team’s direction.

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Key Storylines

The emotional centerpiece of this match will be Brad Guzan’s farewell. A U.S. international and former Premier League keeper, Guzan has been central to Atlanta’s growth as an MLS powerhouse. His retirement signals a transition for the Five Stripes, who will enter 2026 needing defensive reinforcements and leadership stability.

For D.C. United, the trip to Atlanta marks another opportunity to evaluate young players and build cohesion ahead of preseason. Despite their struggles, the visitors have managed to create chances in spurts, with Ted Ku-DiPietro and Christian Benteke showing flashes of consistency.

Both teams drew 0-0 in their previous meeting on July 5, a result that underlined their offensive inefficiency. Expect an open match this time as both clubs play freely with nothing to lose.

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Prediction

Atlanta United have the motivation of honoring a club legend and the advantage of playing in front of a supportive home crowd. D.C. United’s lack of form and defensive lapses should give Atlanta an edge in this emotional finale.

Projected Score: Atlanta United 2, D.C. United 1
Best Bet: Atlanta United moneyline (+105)
Secondary Lean: Over 2.5 goals (+100)

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