In soccer, sometimes a draw is a victory, and it certainly was in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 for Atlanta United on Tuesday night. Of course, the decision versus FC Motagua is not final, as the 1-1 score will be carried over to the second leg of this matchup next Tuesday evening at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA.
Though there is still more work to do to advance in the Champions League, the Five Stripes impressed in their first truly competitive action of 2020. Motagua is no easy out, and they demonstrated an offensive tenacity in this one that netted them the match’s first goal at the 34th minute, as well as several other close calls throughout the match.
Let’s just say thank goodness for veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan who, playing his 99th match for United, turned in nothing short of a masterful performance.
Great save by @ATLUTD’s Brad Guzan! @MOTAGUAcom close to taking the lead at home! | #SCCL2020 #MOTvATL pic.twitter.com/TI5P7O6c4D
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) February 19, 2020
Just over one minute after Roberto Moreira’s score that put Motagua up 1-0, who other than the face of the franchise, Josef Martinez would have the answer. Martinez was set up beautifully for the equalizer by Pity Martinez.
Goal @ATLUTD! @JosefMartinez17 scores the equalizer! | #SCCL2020 #MOTvATL pic.twitter.com/QUgE5V8Xyi
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) February 19, 2020
Being as far away from home as Honduras to face a team that is in mid-season form and performing very well in their nation’s top division, Coach Frank de Boer and his club should be nothing short of ecstatic to fight to an even score with the second leg at home.
United now has all the momentum and will have the crowd behind them as they attempt to advance to the Quarterfinal Round of the CONCACAF Champions League for the second straight year.
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