Wednesday was a rollercoaster night for Atlanta United fans in the MLS All-Star game, presented by Target. Miguel Almirón, Greg Garza and Michael Parkhurst represented the red, black and gold against Real Madrid in Atlanta’s first ever All-Star game. But Garza was the only one selected in the starting XI, slotting in at left back with Parkhurst and Almirón saved for the second half.
The highs and lows of the night started with the low. Less than three minutes into the game, Garza was slide tackled by Real Madrid midfielder Isco near the halfway line. The Atlanta United left back landed awkwardly on his arm and was forced off with what MLS officials called a separated shoulder. Stay tuned to ATLUTD.com for all the latest updates on his injury.
The second half saw the introduction of the other two Atlanta United stars, and that’s where the highs began. Parkhurst was impressive in the back line, getting back well to clear several Real Madrid counter attacks in an assured display. Meanwhile Almirón was electric in the attacking half, showing flashes of the quickness on the ball that has adhered him to the Atlanta United faithful.
Just some Miggy things#MLSAllStar | #ATLUTDpic.twitter.com/iQVObXCrzd
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 3, 2017
He's here... aaaaand he's gone #MLSAllStar | #ATLUTDpic.twitter.com/aNjg6rYTyE
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 3, 2017
Borja Mayoral opened the scoring for Real Madrid, with Dom Dwyer equalizing for MLS with a point blank header just before the final whistle. With the scored knotted at 1-1, the match went straight to penalties at the end of extra time. Miguel Almirón was called on by the coach, and was cool from the spot to send a powerful shot into the corner.
Perfect placement
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 3, 2017
Miguel steps up to the spot and puts away the penalty#MlSAllStar | #ATLUTDpic.twitter.com/UGb4lCxJs4
Unfortunately, his penalty wasn’t enough as the MLS All-Stars fell 4-2 in the shootout. Greg Garza sent a message out to the fans after the game thanking them for the support after his injury substitution:
All three Atlanta United players will now return to Atlanta to rejoin the team as they prepare to face Sporting Kansas City on the road in league action this weekend. After their three-match road trip, they’ll return to Atlanta to face FC Dallas in the first ever match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Tickets are sold out, but make sure you’re there for the historic night by getting Ticketmaster Verified Resale tickets here.
