After a really, REALLY disappointing loss on Wednesday, Atlanta United made sure to prove that they are playoff contenders with a 1-0 win on Saturday. While 1-0 isn’t a flashy scoreline, the team has played four games in ten days – Â so if it only takes one goal for them to win, so be it. Number seven scored his seventh goal of the season in front of a seventh straight sellout crowd to help the Five Stripes take all three points for a fourth consecutive home win.(Sheesh, that was a lot of numbers)
The first half saw few chances for both sides. Atlanta nearly found themselves down 1-0, however, when Dillon Serna dispossessed Yamil Asad and hit the crossbar. Atlanta’s best chance came free a Miguel Almiron free kick, but Tim Howard made quick work of the shot.
Atlanta came out firing in the second half, but it wasn’t until Brandon Vasquez subbed in that the Five Stripes were really seeing scoring opportunities. One of them nearly took our breath away:
There were some really great goals scored this week in the MLS, but there’s no doubt that Josef would’ve taken home Goal of the Week had that bicycle found the back of the net.
Just minutes after, it was Vasquez again finding Martinez for the game winner.
We’re really starting to like this Brandon Vasquez fella. At just 18 years old, he’s had a significant impact for Atlanta in his time on the pitch. From scoring a goal within minutes of his debut to assisting game-winners, Vasquez’ talent is undeniable. Every team needs a spark off the bench, and Vasquez is proving to be that guy.
Atlanta continued to control the tempo of the match throughout the second half, but the Rapids made Bobby Dodd’s heart drop in the closing seconds of stoppage time. Five minutes and thirty seconds into the added time period, Alec Kann made a goal line save off a corner kick to preserve the shutout and a fourth straight home win for the Five Stripes.
Josef shared his thoughts on the game, saying “It was an important Victory. We’re happy to get the three points.” We’re happy too, you madman you.
Atlanta won’t be back in BDS until they play the San Jose Earthquakes on Independence day. Until then, they have two matches: A US Open Cup round of 16 match against Miami FC, and a trip to see Columbus Crew for their second meeting in what will be just 14 days. The results on the road have been rough lately, but Tata knows how important it is to hold the playoff spot that the team is in after last night’s win. Who knows, maybe we’ll be celebrating July 4th on a three-game winning streak!