Atlanta United: Analyzing their gutsiest wins from the 2018 season

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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 11: Goalkeeper Sean Johnson #1 of New York City reacts after giving up a penalty kick goal to Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United during the Eastern Conference Semifinals between New York City FC and Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Atlanta United finished their impressive 2018 campaign with 21 wins. With the offseason upon us, we can analyze their gutsiest wins.

The offseason provides a great opportunity for reflection on the previous season. With the 2018 MLS season completed, now is the time to look back at different aspects of Atlanta United’s season.

This is part of an Atlanta Analysis series, featuring analysis of the team’s losses, gutsiest wins, and most complete performances. Click here to view the analysis of their losses and click here for the analysis of their most complete wins.

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Atlanta United fought their way to an impressive 21 wins this season. There were some incredible games along the way, including huge wins on the road and at home. With so many victories comes many different kinds of said victories. Some of Atlanta’s wins were extremely gutsy in 2018.

Any player in MLS will tell you it takes a certain grit and gusto to hoist the MLS Cup at the end of a long and grueling season. Atlanta’s five gutsiest wins are proof of that fire and passion that led to Atlanta to win the 2018 Cup. None of these wins were pretty, but they served a larger goal and proved that Atlanta had what it took to win a trophy.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 12: A general view of TCF Bank Stadium before the start of the regular season game between Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC on March 12, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

March 31 at Minnesota United

This match gave fans the first sign that Atlanta United would be a legit contender in the league. The 1-0 win over Minnesota United had just about everything. Below freezing weather? On the road? A first-half red card? A lead created in the first 120 seconds? The Five Stripes ground out the impressive 1-0 win to continue what would become an eight-game undefeated streak.

How they won: It went into the record books as a Minnesota own goal, but make no mistake about it: Hector Villalba created Atlanta’s only goal in the game. He pushed towards goal on an early corner kick, and after Atlanta’s first shot deflected back toward’s Villalba, he made another attempt on goal. The ball finally fell forward and Atlanta got the only goal they needed after an unfortunate deflection off Francisco Calvo.

The guts of it all: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez picked up a yellow card in the first minute, unfortunately. Even worse, he picked up a second yellow in the 38th minute, leaving Atlanta to defend its single goal lead without their best defender and with one fewer man. The Five Stripes dug in and did everything they could to keep Minnesota off the board. It worked, and Atlanta walked away with those three valuable points. Factor in a Jeff Lawrentowicz injury in the last quarter hour of the game and you get all the ingredients for an extremely gutsy performance.

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