Monthly Round-up: Match Filled May

Atlanta United had a busy month in May. In contrast to April, the 5-Stripes played three out of their five matches at home. The two away matches were both in the music city, Nashville. Once for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the other for a league match. Now that the May is over let’s look back on some of the highlights from this month.

1. Save of the Month!

After an almost three-hour weather delay Atlanta United faced a tough matchup against Nashville SC. This was the second time these two teams met in a span of 10-days and the 5-Stripes came to GEODIS Park determined to earn points on the road. Bobby Shuttleworth helped the 5-Stripes win an important point on the road and keep the score 2-2.

2. One. Two. Three goals for Ronaldo Cisneros!

Ronaldo Cisneros had an incredible match against Chicago Fire FC. With a goal in the third minute of the match, Cisneros did not stop. Scoring a hat trick in 34 minutes the second fastest hat trick in club history. The records don’t stop there. The Mexican striker is now the third player to score a hat trick in Atlanta United history. When asked how he felt after the game Cisneros humbly shared, he was happy to help get the team a win.

“I feel very happy more than anything for the team’s win,” Cisneros said. “Obviously, the three goals make me happy, but we were able to get a win after three games without one, so the victory of the team is most important.”

3. Marcelino Moreno comes up big for the 5-Stripes

The Argentine midfielder has had a hand in a lot of our favorite moments this month. Marcelino Moreno has had a key hand in creating plays, finding teammates, and assisting with goals including an assist in our goal of the month. This season Moreno has 405 minutes played, three league assists, 4 assists in all competition.

4. GOLAÇO! Luiz Araújo scores big in Nashville.

The 17s have spoken, Luiz Araújo scored the most impressive goal of the month. During our Open Cup match in Nashville the Brazilian winger was able to receive a pass from Marcelino Moreno, and with a quick turn Araújo bypassed Walker Zimmerman and scored the second goal of the night. Rewatch the Goal of the Month, as vote by you!

5. The King is back.

56 days after his last match, Josef Martinez returned to the pitch on May 28. Martinez entered the pitch to an eruption of applause and cheers as 17s waited for his return. The Venezuelan striker came in a halftime and quickly got in rhythm with his teammates. Martinez spoke to media after the game and shared his feelings on his return.

“I won by already being on the field. For me that is the most important. To come back again from an unexpected injury, but, well, it’s another stripe for the tiger. I’m happy to be back with the team.”