MLS Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United Defeats Minnesota United FC 1-0

Published on April 1, 2018 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release


MINNEAPOLIS - Atlanta United opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, and despite playing the majority of the match a man down, fought to record its first clean sheet of the season and a 1-0 victory over Minnesota United FC Saturday night at TCF Bank Stadium.

"Playing down a man is difficult in any league, but I think in this league it's particularly difficult," Atlanta United Head Coach Tata Martino said. "I think we were organized defensively and that's what allowed us to get the result."

In the 2nd minute, forward Tito Villalba cut inside onto his right foot inside the box and fired a low shot to force a diving save from Minnesota goalkeeper Matt Lampson. Julian Gressel swung in the ensuing corner, which Lampson swatted straight to Villalba in front of goal. The Argentine's powerful header bounced off the crossbar and ricocheted off of Minnesota captain Francisco Calvo and into the net for an own goal.

Atlanta defender Leandro González Pirez was sent off in the 38th minute after receiving his second yellow card of the first half. Atlanta played the remaining 52 minutes plus stoppage time a player down, yet battled to keep Minnesota off the scoresheet and earn three points on the road.

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan made three saves, including a stop in the 68th minute on Ethan Finlay from six yards out, and the Atlanta defense tallied 58 clearances on the night.

Atlanta United (3-1-0, 9 points) returns to action on Saturday, April 7 against LAFC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (5 p.m. EST, ESPN).

LINE SCORE

Atlanta United 1, Minnesota United FC 0

TCF Bank Stadium

Minneapolis, Minnesota

STATS

Shots: 13-5 Minnesota

Shots on Target: 3-2 Minnesota

Corner kicks: 4-2 Minnesota

Fouls committed: 11-9 Minnesota

Saves: 3-2 Atlanta

Clearances: 58-5 Atlanta

Offside: 4-3 Atlanta

Possession: 71-29 Minnesota

Passing Accuracy: 87-74 Minnesota

SCORING SUMMARY

ATL - Francisco Calvo (OG) 3' Highlight

DISCLIPINARY SUMMARY

ATL - Leandro González Pirez (yellow) 1'

ATL- Leandro González Pirez (red) 38'

ATL- Brad Guzan (yellow) 90+1

MIN- Francisco Calvo (yellow) 90+3

ATLANTA UNITED STARTING LINEUP

Brad Guzan; Chris McCann, Michael Parkhurst, Leandro González Pirez; Greg Garza, Jeff Larentowicz (Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu 74'), Darlington Nagbe, Miguel AlmirÃ"n, Julian Gressel (Kevin Kratz 86'); Tito Villalba (Sal Zizzo 64'), Josef Martinez

Substitutes not used: Mikey Ambrose, Alec Kann, Brandon Vazquez, Romario Williams

MINNESOTA UNITED FC STARTING LINEUP

Matt Lampson; Marc Burch (Mason Toye 81'), Francisco Calvo, Michael Boxall, Tyrone Mears; Ibson, Rasmus Schuller, Sam Nicholson, Miguel Ibarra, Ethan Finlay; Abu Danladi (Christian Ramiriez 61')

Substitutes not used: Brent Kallman, Carter Manley, Collen Warner, Franck Pangop, Bobby Shuttleworth

ATTENDANCE

18,057

OFFICIALS

Christopher Penso (referee), Brian Dunn (assistant), Nick Uranga (assistant), Nima Saghafi (fourth), Silviu Petrescu (VAR).

TEAM NOTES

Jeff Larentowicz started his 342nd career MLS game. He's alone for seventh place all-time in league history by a field player and is three games away from tying Brian Carroll.

Larentowicz also appeared in his 361st game, which is good for ninth place all-time in league history.

Despite only meeting for the third time, Brad Guzan became the fourth Atlanta United goalkeeper to face Minnesota United and the third to start a match. Alec Kann started during Atlanta's 6-1 win on March 12, 2017. Kyle Reynish started - and was sent off - during Minnesota's 3-2 win on Oct. 3, 2017. Alex Tambakis subbed on for Reynish and played 28 minutes.

Sal Zizzo made his regular season debut with Atlanta United. That's now the fifth MLS team he's made an appearance for.

Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu also made his Atlanta United debut. He was drafted by the club in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in the third round with the No. 46 overall selection.

It was the sixth red card Atlanta has received in team history; the second in three games against Minnesota United.

Leandro Gonzalez Pirez picked up his second career red card in MLS play. His last red card came on the road against Montreal Impact (4/15/17) but was rescinded the following week.

It was the sixth clean sheet Atlanta has posted away from home and the first in 2018.

Check out the Atlanta United FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from April 1, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central