MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Atlanta United: Analyzing their gutsiest wins from the 2018 season

By Josh Bouland

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, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 21: Chicago’s Bastian Schweinsteiger (31) moves the ball up the field with Atlanta’s Franco Escobar in pursuit during the match between Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire on October 21st, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated the Chicago Fire by a score of 2 to 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 21: Chicago’s Bastian Schweinsteiger (31) moves the ball up the field with Atlanta’s Franco Escobar in pursuit during the match between Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire on October 21st, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated the Chicago Fire by a score of 2 to 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

October 21 vs Chicago Fire

Another 2-1 scoreline, this game highlighted Atlanta’s ability to yet again dig in and get a needed result. Atlanta was going toe to toe with New York Red Bulls for the Supporters Shield title after losing their confidence against them in a loss just weeks earlier. At the time, New York was playing Philadelphia Union and trying to keep pace with the Five Stripes. Atlanta needed to win to keep the edge heading into Decision Day. They got the job done, despite not looking like their usual selves.

How they won: Franco Escobar scored his first goal with the club. That goal ended up as a foreshadowing of Escobar’s multiple goals in the playoffs just a few weeks later. Chicago gave one back to Atlanta on an own goal, which ended up being the deciding goal in a surprisingly close match. After giving up the Chicago goal in the 24th minute, Atlanta’s defense buckled in and did their job, keeping the Fire from scoring a second.

Next. Atlanta United: 5 must-watch matches in 2019. dark

The guts of it all: Atlanta United had to play without Miguel Almiron, and that had a lot to do with the outcome of this game. Almiron spreads play out like no other in MLS, and his absence really showed. The team was also without Hector Villalba, another speedy threat that helps spread opposition out. Andrew Carleton got the start because of those absences, and while that was exciting, it was still gutsy and impressive that Atlanta found a way to win without some of their best guys.

Home/Atlanta United