The Atlanta United offensive stars shine with three goals. The five stripes open their home campaign with an exclamation point. The club also broke their own MLS largest single match attendance record when 72,085 were on hand to witness the victory.
Josef Martínez scores the first goal of the 2018 season for Atlanta United.
Atlanta coach Geraldo “Tata” Martino made a significant tactical change, one that he had been hinting at during the preseason. He shifted from a four-man defensive line to a three-man back line. This shift, combined with the start of Atlanta Captain Michael Parkhurst, made for a much more settled defense. The new 3-5-2 formation featured Atlanta strikers Josef Martínez paired with Héctor “Tito” Villalba. This paring placed a lot of pressure on the D.C. United defense, as both players came with blistering pace.
The first Atlanta goal came from the improved control by the Atlanta middle of the field with the move of Jeff Larentowicz back into the midfield. Larentowicz was disruptive and stepped into the passing lanes to slow any D.C. United counter. His interception in the 24th minute lead to a nice pass and control from Darlington Nagbe who found the gap to Tito Villalba. Villalba turned the corner and used his speed to race to the goal. He hesitated and delivered a pass through three streaking D.C. defenders to Martínez, who put it in the back of the net.
He's back.@josefmartinez17 picks up where he left off in @MBStadium ? pic.twitter.com/BDniwQPv1w
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 11, 2018
D.C. United absorbed the waves of pressure from the home team and ended the first half with Atlanta controlling 59% of the possession while taking nine shots on goal. Atlanta controlled the pace and dominated the field, limiting D. C. United to only one shot on goal that was not even on target.
The second half opened with a Video Review in the 50th minute of a defensive tackle from Atlanta defender Greg Garza, when he went to the ground and took out D.C. United forward Paul Arriola. Initially there was no foul called, but after the review, a yellow card was issued to Garza and a free kick granted just outside the 18-yard box. D.C. United was unable to capitalize on the opportunity to draw the match even.
In the 73rd minute, Atlanta stretched the lead by doubling their lead with a goal from Atlanta star Miguel Almirón. Rookie of the Year, Julian Gressel who was all over the pitch, showed excellent vision and calm on the ball as he took a pass from Villalba and one touch passed it beautifully to Almirón. Almirón then drives a bullet into the top corner, virtually unreachable by even the greatest goalie. Undoubtedly a candidate for MLS Goal of the week honors.
Untouchable.
Miggy bangs it in the top corner ? pic.twitter.com/ojv5VkCqgK
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 11, 2018
Just two minutes later the home team sealed the deal with a third goal. Villalba headed a cross from Almirón, putting the match out of reach. Almirón and Villalba each had a goal and an assist on the night capping off a rousing return home. This goal marked the first goal from a corner kick for Atlanta United.
Running riot ?@TitoVillalba15 makes it 3-0 in Atlanta pic.twitter.com/cT370cQEgA
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 11, 2018
D.C. United was able to grab a goal late in the match in the 86th minute. In his return to Atlanta after the off-season move to D.C., Yamil Asad threaded a pass through the top of the box for Darren Mattocks who beat Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan for the goal.
Atlanta United plays this weekend on Saturday as they host the undefeated Vancouver Whitecaps at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. D.C. United play the Houston Dynamo, their first game in their temporary home before the completion of Audi field.
