Atlanta United traveled south to Orlando and snapped the Lions six game win streak, and improved there regular-season away record at with their fourth win in row. The club has continued to build on their success from week to week, and their confidence is growing.
Atlanta United defeated Orlando City SC 2-1 Sunday night behind goals from Josef Martinez and Ezequiel Barco. Atlanta has now won four straight matches on the road, tying the 10th longest streak in MLS history and has jumped to the top of the league’s table with 25 points. Alec Kann made his 2018 debut in goal and made five saves.
Scoring
Martinez struck from the penalty spot in the 11th minute to give Atlanta the early lead. It was the eighth time Atlanta opened the scoring this season, improving to 7-0-1 in those contests. Miguel Almirón split a pair of defenders to find Greg Garza inside of the penalty area, who was promptly fouled by Cristian Higuita. Martinez beat Bendik by slotting into the left corner.
Atlanta had quite a few opportunities in the first half, eventually scoring in the 31st minute. Barco connected on his second career goal, brilliantly connecting with the outside of foot to send a rocket into the top left corner, ricocheting off the crossbar for a 2-0 lead. Barco started the play right down the middle of the field before playing Garza into the left corner. Garza immediately returned the pass for Barco who had continued his run into the penalty area before one-touching his shot attempt.
Orlando applied early pressure in the second half and got a goal back in the 57th minute from Justin Meram. Will Johnson fired a shot from about 35 yards out that forced Kann to punch the ball out, but it went right to Meram whose first touch got him on goal before slotting it to the far corner.
Personnel Details
Alec Kann made his 2018 debut. The starting goal keeper for the first half of the season last year, stepped in and did a great job tending goal.
Miles Robinson made his second start.
Line-ups
Atlanta United
- GK: Alec Kann
- Defenders (3): Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Michael Parkhurst, Miles Robinson
- Midfielders (4): Greg Garza, Jeff Larentowicz, Darlington Nagbe (Kevin Kratz – 87’), Julian Gressel
- Forwards (3): Josef Martinez (Romario Williams – 79’), Miguel Almirón, Ezequiel Barco (Tito Villalba – 68’)
Unused Substitutes
- Mitch Hildebrandt, Mikey Ambrose, Sal Zizzo, Brandon Vazquez
Orlando City
- GK: Joe Bendik
- Defenders (4): Mohamed El-Munir, Amro Tarek, Lamine Sane, Will Johnson</li
- Defensive Midfielders (2): Yoshimar Yotun, Cristian Higuita (Oriol Rosell – HT)
- Attaching Midfielders (3): Justin Meram (Stefano Pinho – 74’), Sacha Kljestan ©, Chris Mueller (Josue Colman – 66’)
- Forwards (1): Dom Dwyer
Unused Substitutes
- Earl Edwards Jr., Chris Schuler, Richie Laryea, RJ Allen
Up Next
Atlanta United returns home to Mercedes Benz to host the Red Bulls . The match is Sunday, May 20th kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
