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Atlanta United: Analyzing best performances from 2018 season

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA NOVEMBER 11: Atlanta's Leandro González Pirez (5) reacts after Miguel Almiron's goal during the MLS Eastern Conference semifinal match between Atlanta United and NYCFC on November 11th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated New York City FC by a score of 3 to 1 to advance in the playoffs. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA NOVEMBER 11: Atlanta's Leandro González Pirez (5) reacts after Miguel Almiron's goal during the MLS Eastern Conference semifinal match between Atlanta United and NYCFC on November 11th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated New York City FC by a score of 3 to 1 to advance in the playoffs. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – JUNE 13: Atlanta United FC forward Hector Villalba (15) celebrates with Atlanta United FC forward Romario Williams (9) after scoring a goal as Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen (23) reacts in the MLS regular season game between the Columbus Crew SC and the Atlanta United FC on June 13, 2018 at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, OH. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – JUNE 13: Atlanta United FC forward Hector Villalba (15) celebrates with Atlanta United FC forward Romario Williams (9) after scoring a goal as Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen (23) reacts in the MLS regular season game between the Columbus Crew SC and the Atlanta United FC on June 13, 2018 at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, OH. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

June 13 @ Columbus Crew

This mid-June match held a lot of weight as both Atlanta and Columbus sat atop the Eastern Conference. Columbus was riding a nine-game unbeaten streak, including an impressive draw against New York Red Bulls in the game prior. Atlanta was not looking so great coming off a draw against NYCFC that should’ve been a loss. Atlanta won 2-0 anyway, turning in a complete performance that saw its stars shine and showcase a solid team goal in the process.

How Atlanta won: Josef Martinez scored his 14th goal of the season in the 30th minute. He scored while colliding with a Columbus player and appeared to break his nose on the play. He did not return for the second half. It didn’t matter though, as Hector Villalba scored in the 82nd minute to put the game away.

Dominance all around: Atlanta notched their fourth clean sheet of the season. The defense played well, despite winning fewer duels and tackles then Columbus. Brad Guzan was the advantage in this contest, especially in the second half. Guzan made a huge save on Columbus’ best chance of the night. However, the biggest representation of dominance came on Villalba’s goal. The Crew turned the ball over and Atlanta countered to perfection. Miguel Almiron drew opposition towards himself and Romario Williams, allowing Villalba to capitalize on said space and put the ball in the back of the net.

Bigger picture: The Five Stripes showed out on the road, continuing their impressive form away from home. Their win over Columbus was their fifth on the road and fifth of a record-breaking 10 road wins. Josef Martinez scored in his fourth straight game en route to a record-tying nine consecutive games with a goal.

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