MLS Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United and Charleston Battery Play to 0-0 Draw

Published on February 24, 2018 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release


CHARLESTON - Atlanta United and Charleston Battery played to a 0-0 draw Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium in the team's final preseason match. Atlanta posted its first clean sheet of the preseason and finished the match with a 9-3 advantage in shots over the tournament hosts.

"We're trying to be in the best form possible to start the season, both in terms of fitness and technique," Atlanta United Head Coach Tata Martino said. "I think these games here have served us well. Players had the chance to play 90 minutes and we did it with very competitive teams. I think we're going to start the season in good form even though we have a few things to adjust this week."

Atlanta's starting lineup included 10 players who were making their first start of the preseason, including Alec Kann in goal. Atlanta controlled much of the possession in the first half and out-shot Charleston 3-1. The team's lone shot on goal came in the 41st minute when a nice build-up led to a cross by José Hernández on the left wing. Tito Villalba directed the cross back towards the penalty spot where Andrew Carleton's headed attempt was saved by a diving Odisnel Cooper.

Atlanta continued to test the Charleston defense early in the second half. In the 51st minute, Villalba swung in a cross from the right wing but Brandon Vazquez's header sailed over the crossbar. Then, in the 66th minute, Carleton split the Battery defense with a diagonal ball and found Jon Gallagher streaking on goal. The rookie's shot was saved by a charging Cooper. Neither team could find a winner and the match ended in a scoreless draw.

Atlanta begins the MLS regular season on the road in Houston Saturday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. EST before the team's home opener at Mercedes Benz-Stadium against D.C. United on Sunday, March 11 at 3 p.m. EST.

LINE SCORE

Atlanta United 0, Charleston Battery 0

MUSC Health Stadium

Charleston, South Carolina

SCORING SUMMARY

DISCLIPINARY SUMMARY

CHS- Vincenzo Candela (yellow) 76'

CHS- Kyle Murphy (yellow) 85'

ATL-Andew Wheeler-Omiunu (yellow) 87'

ATLANTA UNITED STARTING LINEUP

Alec Kann; José Hernández (Mikey Ambrose 60'), Miles Robsinson ,Michael Parkhurst ©, Franco Escobar (Oliver Shannon 60'); Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Kevin Kratz (Chris Goslin 69'), Hector Villalba (Jon Gallagher 60', Miguel AlmirÃ"n 80'), Andrew Carleton, Brandon Vazquez; Romario Wiliams (Julian Gressel 80').

Substitutes not used: Brad Guzan, Mitch Hildebrandt, Leandro González Pirez, Jeff Larentowicz, Greg Garza, Sal Zizzo, Chris McCann, Darlington Nagbe, Ezequiel Barco, Josef Martinez.

CHARLESTON BATTERY STARTING LINEUP

Odisnel Cooper; Skylar Thomas, Taylor Mueller, Quinton Griffith (Clifton Woodbine 87'), Jarad van Schaik (Jay Bolt 52'); Neveal Hackshaw (Vincenzo Caldena 57'), Tah Brian Anunga (Angelo Kelly 74'), Kotaro Higashi (Kevin Jeon 74'); Ian Svantesson (Kyle Murphy 64'), Ataulla Guerra (Ryan Arambula 57'), Victor Mansaray (Nico Rittmeyer 57')

Substitutes not used: Kevin Shields, Will Jameison, Manolo Sanchez, Kyle Bjornethun, Ozzy Ramos, Liam Hudock.

OFFICIALS

Rubiel Vazquez (referee), Eric Weisbrod (assistant), Jason White (assistant), David Erbacher (fourth).

TEAM NOTES

Atlanta's starting lineup featured 10 players making their first starts of the preseason (excluding Kevin Kratz).

Goalkeeper Alec Kann kept the team's only shutout during the preseason in his first start in 2018.

Check out the Atlanta United FC Statistics

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