MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Atlanta United Defeats Nashville SC in Front of Sellout Crowd

By Daniel Garza

ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 22: Atlantas Julian Gressel (24) looks to pass the ball during a match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on October 22, 2017 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 -2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 22: Atlantas Julian Gressel (24) looks to pass the ball during a match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on October 22, 2017 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 -2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Nashville SC hosted Atlanta United on Saturday afternoon in a preseason friendly that marked the beginning of pro soccer in Nashville.

A sellout crowd in Nashville turned out to watch Atlanta United face the newly formed Nashville SC. With the city earning one of the Major League Soccer expansion bids, the excitement of soccer coming to the area was certainly noticeable.

Poor field conditions and weather, in general, were on hand for both sides as it was raining throughout the match. But that didn’t stop a packed crowd for this historic match.

There was plenty to look forward to in this match as Atlanta United showcased a few of their offseason additions from the transfer window. Below is how they lined up with Ezequiel Barco and Darlington Nagbe in the starting XI.

Match Recap

Despite a few chances in the first half, Atlanta was unable to find the opening goal. It was the new guys coming close Nagbe hit the post and Barco saw his chance flash wide.

The second half was where things picked up goal-scoring wise. Josef Martinez took advantage of a back pass that found a waterlogged part of the pitch. The forward stepped up and curled it home to make it 1-0 in the 58th minute.

Shortly after, in the 64th minute, new signing Alan Winn sent in a cross that was tucked home by Ropapa Mensah as he becomes the first goalscorer in Nashville SC history.

Brandon Vazquez restored Atlanta’s lead in the 74th minute and scored what proved to be the match winner.

Romario Williams scored less than five minutes later in the 78th minute to score an all-important insurance goal for the away side.

Following the match, Nashville fans cheered their side off the pitch as we will certainly be seeing these two sides producing memorable matches against each other in MLS in the years to come.

Next: NYCFC: Will Jonathan Lewis be Jack Harrison's starting XI replacement?

Atlanta still has three more preseason fixtures this month as they will face the Columbus Crew next Saturday.

Home/Atlanta United