Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta United came out in epic fashion scoring the first goal with just 5:00 minutes in the game by Atlanta United’s Justin Meram. The United seemed to be calm and poised during the first half and upheld great defense by its’ players particularly goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
The San Jose Earthquakes were able to “shake” the Atlanta United with a goal by Nick Lima in the first half tying the game 1-1. With 34:39 in the first half Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes) is shown the red card for a penalty against Atlanta United forward Franco Escobar which led to a free kick in the defensive half. With 45:00 plus minutes in the first half, there was an attempted miss by Atlanta United FC Emerson Hyndman of the Atlanta United by his right footed shot from the center of the box is close, but drifted to the left.
In addition to the first half, the Atlanta United was able to tally 3 shots, 2 shots on goal, 0 blocked shots, 0 corner shots, and 0 tackles won with 47.4% of possession. The San Jose Earthquakes committed to 0 shots, 0 shots on goal, 0 blocked shots, 1 corner shots, 5 tackles won and 52.4% of possession.
During the second half, both teams got off to a slow start. Atlanta United star forward Josef Martinez suffered an ankle injury with 74:00 minutes in the second half. Mid-fielder Mohammed Adams filled in for the injured star. Tension mounted as San Jose manager Matias Almeyda was ejected from the game with 86:49 remaining due to a bad call from the referee. With 90:00 minutes left Atlanta United forward Emerson Hyndman. A minute later with an error from San Jose Earthquake forward Chris Wondolowski, Atlanta United forward Gonzalo Martinez was able to give the United a 3-1 lead with 90:00 plus five remaining.
With the triumphant victory by the Atlanta United over the San Jose Earthquakes, the United stands with a record of 31-17 second behind division rivals NYC FC. Both the United and New York go head to head again on September 25, 2019, at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. With the title in the Atlanta United midst, it is safe to say that Atlanta is on its’ way!!
Written by Evan Long
