It was a rough night for Atlanta United, as they drew 0-0 with FC Cincinnati. Atlanta is without several key players and has now gone two games without scoring a goal. Brad Guzan injured his Achilles and looks to be out for a long period of time. Atlanta had 65% possession and 6 shots on target, but could not convert.
The first half was relatively dull, with both sides failing to create many good chances. However, Atlanta put the pressure on in the second half and was rewarded with a penalty kick in the 63rd minute. Former Atlanta keeper Alec Kann stopped Marcelino Moreno’s penalty shot to keep the game level. Atlanta kept up the pressure and Alec Kann was forced into many fantastic saves.
The returns of Luiz Araujo and Emerson Hyndman gave Atlanta fans hope as the game neared its conclusion. In the 77th minute, Cincinnati’s Nick Hagglund was sent off for a second yellow card, when he took down Thiago Almada, giving Atlanta a man advantage. Brooks Lennon was left unmarked most of the match and had plenty of crosses, but none resulted in a goal. Almada and Araujo both had shots go just wide. Andrew Gutman had two glorious chances in the final few minutes, but he was unable to score and Cincinnati held on for the draw.
Player of the Match: Alec Kann
Atlanta’s next fixture: vs Chattanooga FC on April 20th (US Open Cup)
Cincinnati’s next fixture: vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on April 19th (US Open Cup)
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