Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta United defeats DC United in front of a large home crowd at Mercedes Benz stadium.
Atlanta United Head Coach Frank De Boer stated, “We dominated from the beginning.” This is consistent with the Five Stripes aggressive play throughout the game, as they kept majority of play to one half of the field. Atlanta played with the same formation that made them successful last year. The team appeared familiar and poised throughout the game. The Five Stripes would continue to press DC until they eventually were able to force their will and score two unanswered points. The first score of the game would come in the 89th minute by Pity Martinez making the score 1-0. Josef Martinez then breaks free to make his 16th goal of the season, making the score 2-0. This puts Josef Martinez two goals behind Bradley Wright-Phillips the most goals in a season.
The first half of play was very aggressive between the two teams. Atlanta United offensive attack put DC United on their heels and caused them to be in defensive mode for a considerable part of the first half of play. It was DC’s four men in the box that contributed to stopping Martinez multiple shot attempts from being successful. DC made a solid defensive stance holding off the Atlanta offensive attack as the teams went into the half tied 0-0.
Atlanta maintained 71.9% of possession in the first half with DC only having 28.1%. Atlanta had nine shots with two on target and DC with four total shots, two on targets. DC led in duels won 28 to Atlanta United 26. Atlanta with nine shots total, two on target and six inside of the box. DC, with only four shots total and two on target all four shots were inside the box.
The second half of play was much like the first half. Atlanta United continued their offensive aggression as they continued to attack the goal. The five stripes dominated in possession the second half at 71.4% to DC United 28.6%. The Five Stripes had 18 total shots with 13 from the inside and six on target. DC playing most of the game on the defensive, had only four shots with two on target.
The Five stripes success in today’s match could be contributed to neutralizing DC United transition attack. There were two moments in the game when DC United broke free in transition, and both attempts were denied. Today’s win puts Atlanta United in second place in the Eastern conference by 1 point over DC United dropping them to third place. Philadelphia Union is first in the Eastern Conference and ahead of Atlanta United by 3 points. This is a major win for the Five Stripes as it is much needed for their next top-ranked opponent. Next week Atlanta United will face-off with the number 1 team in the Western Conference and all of MLS, the Los Angeles Football Club in Los Angeles, CA.
Written by Marcus Jones
Image Credit: Bernard Ayala
