The Philadelphia Union fall to Atlanta United 2-0 on Saturday, July 7 at Talen Energy Stadium, Philadelphia , PA. (photo: Atlanta United)
The home side had plenty of chances in the first half, they controlled the possession with 51% and took eleven shots to Atlanta’s six. However, only one of the Union shots was on target, which Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan collected the first of three saves he would have on the night. In the second half the visitors made the adjustments and out shot the home team 10-7, with six of the ten shots on target including the goals. The difference could have been much worse, if not for another outstanding night from Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, who had six saves, four in the second half.
Atlanta United were able to come in after a tough loss on the road just three nights ago and put together a solid win on the road. Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin said it best in his opening statement to the media after the match, “A good team punishes you against the run of play.”
Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino, had a similar assessment of his team, “I think in the second half we were much better. It was an even first half and we were better in the second half and I think that is what allowed us to get the win tonight.”
Scoring Details
Philadelphia Union 0 – Atlanta United 1 – Josef Martínez 58’ (PK)
Playing from the half-time adjustment where coach Martino spoke of playing more direct and skipping some passes, Leandro González Pírez played an exquiste bending ball directly to Miguel Almirón. Almirón used his pace to race in behind the Philadelphia back line, to get inside the box before the Union defense. Andre Blake left his line and fouled Almirón as he attempted to round the goalkeeper inside the box.
What a dime from LGP ? pic.twitter.com/iSZMpBIHxS
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 8, 2018
Josef Martínez stepped up the penalty spot and kissed the bottom-right post into the corner for the opener. It was his league leading 18th goal of the season.
What's cooler than being cool?@JosefMartinez17 from the spot ❄️ pic.twitter.com/KouhZtPhsl
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 8, 2018
Philadelphia Union 0 – Atlanta United 2 – Hector “Tito” Villalba 76’ (Miguel Almirón, Josef Martínez)
The second goal was a beautiful display of the attacking power of Atlanta United. Almirón received the ball from Ezequiel Barco’s nice little flick into space. Almirón immediately turns to goal and attacks the open space. His movement draws three defenders and provides just enough space for Martínez at the top of the box to recieve the pass. Martínez does a spin and returns the ball to the streaking Almirón, who is confronted by the keeper Blake, who has come off his line. Almirón then crosses the ball through to a wide open Villalba who buries it into the open net.
"That'll leave you with your jaw open right there"
A beautiful passing sequence leads to a @TitoVillalba15 finish ? pic.twitter.com/okxXYwycJw
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 8, 2018
Personnel Details
Chris McCann returns to the lineup after a month. His last match was June 2nd against the Union in Atlanta. He has been struggling with a hamstring issue and saw his first action last night when he came in as subsutitue in the 73rd minute for Mikey Ambrose. This is good news, as the team is very thin on the left side with injuries to Greg Garza and Darlington Nagbe. Before going down to injury, McCann had started all nine matches and adds a solid presence on the left side.
Midfielder Julian Gressel continues to do whatever is asked of him. Gressel put in another solid performance with fellow midfielder Jeff Larentowicz to keep the agressive Union side in check. After the match when asked about what he thinks his best spot on the field is, he responded with, “The best spot on the field is up to the coach. I think it changes from game to game. It doesn’t really matter where I play, to be honest with you, I’m just open-minded and trying to perform the best I can in every position.”
Line-ups
Atlanta United
- GK: Brad Guzan
- Defenders (4): Mikey Ambrose (Chris McCann 73’), Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Michael Parkhurst, Franco Escobar
- Midfielders (2): Jeff Larentowicz, Julian Gressel
- Midfielders (3): Ezequiel Barco (Kevin Kratz 90+2’), Miguel Almirón, Tito Villalba (Brandon Vazquez 84’)
- Forward (1): Josef Martinez
Unused Substitutes
- Alec Kann, Sal Zizzo, Andrew Carleton, Romario Williams
Philadelphia Union
- GK: Andre Blake
- Defenders (4): Keegan Rosenberry, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Raymon Gaddis
- Midfielders (2): Haris Medunjanin, Alejandro Bedoya
- Midfielders (3): Borek Dockal, Fafa Picault (David Accam 77’), Ilson Jr (Marcus Epps 83’)
- Forward (1): CJ Sapong (Cory Burke 64’)
Unused Substitutes
- John McCarthy, Warren Creavalle, Jack Elliot, Fabinho
Up Next
Atlanta United returns home Sunday, July 15 to host the Seattle Sounders at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
