United FC gameday

7 P.M. AT ATLANTA • ESPN3

Preview: Minnesota United is the hottest team in the North American Soccer League, earning 13 of a possible 15 points in the past five matches and moving into second place. Atlanta (5-4-3) sits in fifth place in the fall season standings, four points away from postseason contention.

United FC at a glance: Minnesota (6-2-4) rides a six-match unbeaten streak and scored at least one goal in the past 20 matches. The Loons' 3-1 comeback victory against Carolina on Saturday at home made them the first to reach 40 goals this season. The key in Atlanta is not looking ahead to a huge home match Saturday against New York. There is plenty for Minnesota to be concerned about Tuesday. Defender Tiago Calvano, the team's leader in minutes played, must miss his first action this season after accumulating too many yellow cards. And coach Manny Lagos is serving a one-game suspension for getting ejected from Saturday's match.

Atlanta at a glance: Atlanta is unbeaten at home (3-0-2) in the fall season. Jaime Chávez leads the Silverbacks in both goals and assists (five each) though the Silverbacks rank last with 23 goals scored. Like Minnesota, Atlanta's most recent opponent was Carolina. The Silverbacks fell 2-0 on the road last Friday. Former Minnesota United midfielder Michael Reed ranks third in minutes played.

David La Vaque