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Atlanta United needed a mbadive performance to become the first team on the road to win in Seattle this year. They fought but were defeated in a 2-1 defeat on the battlefield of CenturyLink Field.
With Ezequiel Barco, Tito Villalba, George Bello and Kevin Kratz removed from the injury, and Jeff Larentowicz serving a suspension with a red card, head coach Frank de Boer offered a training almost unchanged from the one who had crossed the US Open Cup this week. The return of Julian Gressel in the starting lineup was the only change, in place of Emerson Hyndman. The complete XI: Brad Guzan (GK), Brek Shea (LB), Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (CB), Miles Robinson (CB), Franco Escobar (RB), Eric Remedi (CM), Darlington Nagbe (CM), Julian Gressel (CM) CM), Justin Meram (LW), Josef Martinez (ST), Pity Martinez (RW).
Atlanta United had to face a curved ball just minutes after the start of the match, but Brek Shea was forced to leave the field just 7 minutes into the match, following an injury. Michael Parkhurst came into play for his second appearance in the week. And despite the setback, Atlanta United remained strong for much of the first half. Raul Ruidíaz almost opened the scoring for the hosts, but Julian Gressel's curling over the bar was the most dangerous chance of the Five Stripes opening period. Despite the attacks from both sides, neither team managed to bring in a haymaker and the match ended in a draw.
It seemed that Atlanta United had taken the lead only minutes after the start of the second period. Leandro González's long pbad Pirez at the back allowed Pity Martínez to free himself behind the back line. He planted the ball in the corner, but the flag was raised for offside, canceling what would have been a huge opening goal. The Sounders reacted by placing themselves first on the board with a good effort from Raul Ruidíaz, and the Five Stripes would be forced to break the deficit of a goal.
A few minutes later, they did it and it was Josef Martinez who found the back of the net. He came from a tempting corner from Pity Martínez, whose outsider found the head of the reigning MVP over the defense, his ninth goal in six games and his 13th on the season.
The Sounders, however, had their own answer, throwing a gift in the back and heading to the winner of the match in counterattack. Brandon Vazquez and Emerson Hyndman brought new legs to the field while the Five Stripes were looking for a late equalizer. But that was not the case, the Five Stripes falling to 2-1.
Atlanta United are still third in the Eastern Conference at the final whistle, six points behind with two games to go. They are now returning to the Mercedes-Benz stadium hoping to regain their victory by hosting Houston Dynamo on their home ground. Tickets for this match are always available, so be sure to book yours here.
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