MLS Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United Defeats Nashville SC 2-1 in MLS Opener

Published on March 1, 2020 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release


ATLANTA - A pair of first half goals from Ezequiel Barco and Emerson Hyndman led Atlanta United to a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC in the club's 2020 MLS Regular Season opener. Laurence Wyke, who signed a short-term loan agreement earlier in the day on Saturday, came on as a substitute at halftime for Franco Escobar, and helped keep a second-half clean sheet to preserve the victory.

Barco opened the scoring in the ninth minute after solid build-up play from Escobar and Josef Martinez. From his own half, Escobar dribbled around one defender and charged into the midfield where he combined with Martinez. Escobar's ensuing pass was for Barco, who dummied, allowing the ball to go through Eric Miller. Barco then dribbled near the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a right-footed shot into the right corner.

Nashville equalized in the 28th minute from a set piece. Hany Mukhtar sent a free kick into the box that Walker Zimmerman played down and ultimately put into the back of the net for the club's first-ever goal.

It didn't take long for Atlanta to re-gain the lead, answering less than 10 minutes later in the 37th minute from Hyndman. Barco's original corner kick was cleared back near the corner flag, where Barco again crossed into the box. The clearance barely reached the edge of the penalty area where Hyndman played down and ferociously struck into upper the right corner.

Atlanta went into the locker room up a goal, but needed to replace Escobar, who was injured toward the end of the half. Josef Martinez also left during the second half with an injury, but Atlanta held out behind Brad Guzan, who made three saves.

Atlanta (1-0-0, 3 points) returns to action Saturday, March 7 for its home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against FC Cincinnati (7:00 p.m., FOX Sports Southeast, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).

MATCH INFO

Atlanta United 2, Nashville SC 1

Nissan Stadium

Nashville, Tennessee

STATS

Shots: 14-6 Nashville

Shots on Target: 4-2 Nashville

Corner kicks: 5-4 Nashville

Fouls committed: 12-11 Atlanta

Clearances: 20-18 Atlanta

Offside: 3-0 Nashville

Possession: 55-45 Atlanta

Passing Accuracy: 83-82 Atlanta

SCORING SUMMARY

ATL - Ezequiel Barco (Franco Escobar) 9' [HIGHLIGHT]

NSH - Walker Zimmerman 28' [HIGHLIGHT]

ATL - Emerson Hyndman 37' [HIGHLIGHT]

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

ATL - Eric Remedi (yellow) 76'

NSH - Joe Willis (yellow) 90+3'

ATLANTA UNITED STARTING LINEUP

Brad Guzan; Anton Walkes, Fernando Meza, Franco Escobar (Laurence Wyke - HT); Jake Mulraney, Eric Remedi, Emerson Hyndman, Brooks Lennon; Pity Martinez (Jeff Larentowicz - 81'), Ezequiel Barco, Josef Martinez (Adam Jahn - 69')

Substitutes not used: Alec Kann, George Campbell, Mo Adams, Luiz Fernando.

NASHVILLE SC STARTING LINEUP

Joe Willis; Daniel Lovitz, Dave Romney, Walker Zimmerman, Eric Miller; Dax McCarty ©, Hany Mukhtar, Anibal Godoy; Randall Leal (Daniel Rios - 87'), Dominique Badji (Abu Danladi - 79'), David Accam (Alan Winn - 65').

Substitutes not used: Adrian Zendejas, Jalil Anibaba, Brayan Beckeles, Derrick Jones.

ATTENDANCE

59,069

OFFICIALS

Drew Fischer (referee), Kathryn Nesbitt (assistant), Logan Brown (assistant), Rosendo Mendoza (fourth), Jon Freemon (VAR)

TEAM NOTES

Laurence Wyke, who signed a short-term loan agreement earlier in the day, made his First Team debut. Wyke is contracted with Atlanta United 2.

Franco Escobar left the game at halftime with a right leg injury.

Josef Martinez left the game in the 69th minute with a right leg injury.

Fernando Meza led the team with 91.4 percent passing (47-of-53).

Pity Martinez won a team-high four fouls.

Anton Walke had a team-high five clearances.

Ezequiel Barco scored his ninth career MLS goal

Emerson Hyndman scored his second career MLS goal

Check out the Atlanta United FC Statistics

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 1, 2020


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