Josef Martinez moves the ball up field against LAFC. (photo credit: Jim Stapp)
Atlanta United delivered a crushing defeat to LAFC in front of another sell-out crowd of 45,207 at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The nationally televised game was a tantalizing matchup between two of the leagues newest teams who both feature dynamic attacking style of soccer. The 5-0 outcome was more lopsided than the actual match which was only 1-0 at the half. LAFC dominated during stretches of play but were unable to convert the possession into quality shots with only one shot on target.
VAR Plays a Big Role
The match started on a very controversial note. Atlanta defender Chris McCann was shown a red card for what was deemed a dangerous tackle. Referee Ted Unkel had to make a crucial decision in the first minutes of play. The crowd erupted with a loud course of boos and chants of VAR. LAFC defender Steven Beitashour said after the match, “I think the crowd affects the referee’s decision’s sometimes…” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley also stated, “It’s a terrible way to start the game.” However, LAFC forward Carlos Vela did not blame the outcome on this situation, “If you have one more guy, normally, you have more chances to win but after that, we lose the game against a good team and they did a better job. It’s not about the referee. They played. They deserve more to win and they take the game.”
Gressel has a Night to Remember
Playing in front of his parents, Julian Gressel was named “Man of the Match”. His work on both sides of the ball were exceptional. His play has continued to mature and built on his rookie of the year success. He scored his first goal of the match and his first of the season in the 17th minute.
"Ain't that a peach!" ?⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Por6tiedxi
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 7, 2018
He later added an assist on a beautiful cross to the back post for a clean header by Josef Martínez in the 67th minute, to put Atlanta comfortably ahead 2-0. With the goal, Martinez picked-up his 24th goal in his first 25 games, best of any player in MLS history.
On a silver platter for the silver ‘do ?@JulianGressel ➡️ @JosefMartinez17 pic.twitter.com/3HaJLsKfDF
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 7, 2018
Late in the match, LAFC started to let the game slip away. They conceded two penalties in the last 5 minutes in the match, one from a handball and one from a foul in the box by Ryan Zimmerman on Miguel Almirón, after it was reviewed by VAR.
The final goal of the match was the first career MLS goal for Atlanta United forward Romario Williams. He described the situation, “I found myself in a lot of space. Whenever I received the ball at halfway line the defender was as a couple yards away, so it was a perfect ideal one-versus-one situation, so I decided to go with him. I was able to create space for myself and get off a shot.”
What. A. Night. @iam_pavyrgwvii caps off a 5-goal rout with his first @MLS goal pic.twitter.com/QwsOgptXmQ
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 7, 2018
Personnel Details
Atlanta defender Miles Robinson made his MLS debut. Robinson was Atlanta United’s second pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. With the suspension of Leandro González Pírez and the injury to Franco Escobar, the defense was forced to start the young defender. Miles provided his thoughts after his first start, “I did pretty well. I’m happy to get the debut, and I’m happy we won. So, pretty good all around.”
Atlanta United head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino provided additional insight on Miles Robinson’s debut, “He did a great job defensively, but I think that today the game allowed him to be successful in a sense that we were playing farther back and forced to defend. He is an excellent defender. The part of his game that we are still developing is when we have possession and are playing out the back. I think that today the game favored his strengths and gave us the chance to hide his weaknesses.”
Williams provided more insight on how it feels to get his first goal, “It is a great feeling. I can’t really describe the emotions. It’s a lot of hard work that has been going into getting this first one.” Coach Martino provided further insight on the contributions of Williams, “I am happy with him just like I was last year when Brandon (Vazquez) was able to come in and score off the bench. It’s good for those guys to come in even though it’s difficult, because they know the starters are going to get 75/80 minutes, so they have to be able to step in and do their job in short minutes. But, I am happy for him, and it’s great that he is able to score because he is a striker and that’s what strikers do.”
Celebration after first career MLS goal for Atlanta United forward Romario Williams. (photo credit: Jim Stapp)
Up Next
Atlanta United returns to action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, April 15 against NYCFC (6 p.m., FS1).
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