Although “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown was in the crowd supporting Atlanta United FC, the game’s outcome was not strange at all, with Atlanta earning its third consecutive victory. Atlanta thoroughly prevailed over a hapless Real Salt Lake on Sept. 22, winning 2-0 in front of the third-largest crowd in franchise history at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the well-deserved three points, Atlanta now boasts a four-point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference in the MLS.
Atlanta United F.C. fans pack into the Mercedes Benz Stadium to record the third highest attendance in franchise history in a match against Real Salt Lake on Sept. 22. Atlanta also holds the record for the highest individual attendance for a single MLS game. Sammy John/Contributing
Atlanta started the game brightly, enjoying an abundance of goal-scoring opportunities. But the opening goal eluded them until shortly before halftime. A lobbed pass found midfielder Miguel Almiron, who dribbled into the box, driving against the Salt Lake defense. Almiron then served a late, looping cross from the endline to find defender Julian Gressel on the edge of the box. Gressel then calmly chested the ball and fired a wicked shot past Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who had no time to react.
Atlanta did not let up before the halftime whistle. The front three, featuring forward Josef Martinez, forward Hector “Tito” Villalba and Almiron, pressed Salt Lake into relinquishing possession. Rimando saved Almiron’s curled shot but failed to recover as Gressel wasted a good chance and blasted the rebound over the crossbar.
Atlanta midfielder and acting team captain Jeff Larentowicz was pleased with the win. In particular, Larentowicz said he was impressed with Gressel’s contribution to the team, displayed by his vital goal and later assist.
“[Gressel] has done it all,” Larentowicz said. “He seems like he is in the middle of everything good that is Atlanta United.”
After the halftime break, Salt Lake pushed for the equalizing goal. Salt Lake forward Jefferson Savarino wasted a good opportunity to level the score, firing a close shot off the bar.
However, Atlanta persevered and added another goal through forward Villalba. From a throw in, Gressel lobbed the ball towards forward Josef Martinez, who deftly ducked under Gressel’s throw to allow the ball to fall to Villalba. From outside the box, Villalba fired a shot that hit the post, but the ball fortuitously bounced off Rimando’s back to roll into the net.
Although the team had a dynamic performance, Martinez had a relatively quiet game by his lofty standards that pushed Martinez to break the MLS single season scoring record. Martinez’s quick one-touch passes, skillful dribbling and movement of the ball (as seen with his influence in Villalba’s goal) illustrated the dangers of Atlanta’s dynamic front three in their 4-3-3 formation. Despite not getting on the scoreboard, Martinez supported his team well.
Alongside Almiron and Villalba, Atlanta’s offense looks capable of penetrating the staunchest of defenses. Atlanta’s reputation as one of the most exciting MLS teams to watch was on full display: rapid counterattacks and quick tempo build-up play led to numerous scoring opportunities. Salt Lake was lucky the scoreline was not 5-0.
One worrying sign was Atlanta’s inability to finish off scoring chances. Despite dominating the game with eight shots on target, Atlanta missed at least three clear chances to extend their lead. Salt Lake let Atlanta off the hook, with a lackluster offensive showing with only three shots on target and a similarly mediocre defensive display, bar Rimando’s excellent performance with six saves.
Gressel, the 2017 Rookie of the Year, cited Head Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino as a key influence in his success.
“[Martino] just set a really high standard for me ever since I came in as a rookie,” Gressel said. “Every time a manager has that high standard for you, you hold yourself more accountable.”
After their latest win, some speculated that the Supporters’ Shield is Atlanta’s to lose, but Martino was cautiously optimistic.
“We might have a hand [on the Supporters’ Shield], but [the New York] Red Bulls wants to cut it off,” Martino said in reference to United’s next game. “But today, what leaves me the most calm, is that we played the best game of the [past] three.”
After already qualifying for the playoffs, Atlanta’s next high-stakes match is with the No. 2 New York Red Bulls on Sept. 30.
Sammy John (20C) is from Sarasota, FL, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology with an Ethics minor. A diehard sports fan, Sammy writes about international soccer and as any self respecting Indian religiously follows cricket. Sammy co-founded Emory Table Tennis Club in 2018, and he enjoys playing soccer and ping pong to unwind.
