Greg Garza from Atlanta United defends against Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 9th, 2018.(photo Jim Stapp)
Atlanta United fell to Sporting KC 2-0 for the first time since opening day. The midweek match between the top two clubs from each conference took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd of 44,696. Atlanta controlled the match for most of the first thirty minutes and put more shots on goal, but was able to not get on a goal past Sporting goal keeper Tim Melia. The only time was when Josef Martinez had his goal reversed by video review.
However, the game changed dramatically in the 34th minute when Atlanta goal keeper Brad Guzan was issued a straight red card. Guzan committed the foul when tackling Khiry Shelton who on the edge of the eighteen yard box. Shelton beat Guzan by a step when he received a a through ball from midfield and faced Guzan one on on. The straight red card forced Atlanta to used 4th string goal keeper rookie Paul Christensen.
The home team was able to keep the visitors contained for about thirty minutes, well into the second half. Sporting KC finally broke through in the 67th minute on a strike from Daniel Salloi to take the lead. Salloi received a pass on the edge of the eighteen yard box, took a few dribbles to middle of the field and then curled a shot into the bottom corner that was almost impossible to reach.
Gerso Fernandes closed out the scoring when he doubled the lead in the 87th minute. With Atlanta pressing forward and down a man Sporting sprung a counterattack, Fernandes delivered a great move to fool the on-rushing rookie keeper Christensen. He easily tapped the ball home into the back of the net for the final margin.
This was the first time Atlanta has been shutout at home during the regular season in club history, and only the second regular-season loss for Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Personnel Details
Sal Zizzo made his first start with Atlanta United. Zizzo was a pick-up from this off season from the New York Red Bulls. He has only been used in second half substitutions situations so far this season, but started in place of Julian Gressel.
Sal Zizzo of Atlanta United defends against Sporting Kansas City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 9th, 2018.(photo Jim Stapp)
Tito Villalba made his first start of the season. However, he only lasted 36 minutes when he was replaced by Paul Christensen to fill Guzan’s position at goalie.
Paul Christensen saw his first action for Atlanta United when he was called into duty in the first half, he became the fifth goalkeeper to play in club history. Christensen made one save.
Paul Christensen of Atlanta United defends against Sporting Kansas City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 9th, 2018.(photo Jim Stapp)
Line-ups
Atlanta United
- GK: Brad Guzan
- Defenders (4): Greg Garza, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Michael Parkhurst, Sal Zizzo
- Midfielders (2): Jeff Larentowicz (Kevin Kratz – 76’), Darlington Nagbe
- Midfielders (2): Ezequiel Barco, Miguel Almirón, Tito Villalba (Paul Christensen – 36’)
- Forwards (1): Josef Martinez (Romario Williams – 76’)
Unused Substitutes
- Mikey Ambrose, Miles Robinson, Julian Gressel, Brandon Vazquez
Sporting Kansas City
- GK: Tim Melia
- Defenders (4): Jimmy Medranda, Matt Besler, Ike Opara, Graham Zusi
- Midfielders (3): Yohan Croizet (Cristian Lobato – 71’), Ilie Sanchez, Roger Espinoza
- Forwards (3): Daniel Salloi, Khiry Shelton (Diego Rubio – 90+1’), Johnny Russell (Gerso Fernandes – 82’)
Unused Substitutes
- Eric Dick, Seth Sinovic, Jaylin Lindsey, Emiliano Amor
Up Next
Atlanta United travels to Orlando to face the Orlando City SC. The match is Sunday evening, 13th of May kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Photo Gallery
Prost Amerika photographer Jim Stapp captured all the action check out his gallery here.
