Atlanta United Makes It Four In A Row

Atlanta United picked up their fourth straight win last night in the nation’s capital. This was the perfect way to end Rob Valentino’s time as intern manager. New manger Gonzalo Pineda watched the game from the stands with vice president Carlos Bocanegra. While it wasn’t a perfect performance from the five stripes they still found a way to pick up three more points. Atlanta are now only under the playoff line by goal differential.

The away side took the lead after Marcelino Moreno slotted in behind Josef Martinez who slotted it past Jon Kempin. Josef Martinez is starting to look like the pre-acl injury version of himself. This was his fourth goal in the last five matches. In the 38th minute, Ola Kamara had a great chance that he blasted over the bar after Julian Gressel played a familiar low-cross across the 18 yard box. In the 54th minute, a moment of genius from Yordy Reyna caught out Brad Guzan. Reyna saw Guzan off his line on a free kick and scored from an extremely improbable angle. In the 80th minute, Marcelino Moreno once again played Josef Martinez in behind, however this time Joe Kempin came up with a crucial save. In the 82nd minute, a cross from George Bello was brought down brilliantly by Josef Martinez. The ball eventually found Marcelino Moreno on the edge of the box who found the bottom left-hand corner to put Atlanta back in front. In the 91st minute, Brad Guzan made a game winning save on Ramon Abilla from a tight angle. Atlanta didn’t dominate the match, but there seems to be some fighting spirit in the squad that has been lacking over the past two years.

Atlanta will now have their next four matches at home. If Atlanta can pick up some valuable points in this home stretch, they will be in a great position to make the playoffs. The last time the five stripes trailed in a match was in the 63rd minute during the match in Montreal. Atlanta’s next match will be on August 28th at 3:30 pm against Nashville SC. The two previous meetings between these sides have finished 2-2 so expect some goals next weekend.