Saba Lobjanidze made his first appearance for Atlanta United Saturday night in its 4-0 win against Nashville SC. The winger was subbed on in the 61st minute for Xande Silva and scored the fourth goal of the night for the 5-Stripes.
Midfielder Thiago Almada made a run into the box in the 87th before playing a quick give-and-go with Lobjanidze. Almada played it back to the winger in front of goal, but a Nashville defender got a touch on the pass. However, the ball landed right in front of Lobjanidze, who back-heeled it into the net to put Atlanta up 4-0.
Just minutes after entering the game, Lobjanidze and Almada nearly combined for another goal. In similar fashion, Almada laid off the ball to Lobjanidze inside the box, but his shot was right at Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis.
Atlanta signed the winger earlier this month from Turkish Süper Lig side Hatayspor through the 2026 season. The 28-year-old from Tbilisi, Georgia is joining the club with years of experience. Lobjanidze has 288 total appearances, 69 goals and 57 assists across all club competitions since the 2014-15 season.
Lobjanidze arrived in Atlanta earlier in the week and trained with the team for a few days. When he spoke with media on Thursday, he said he had been training individually and with his former team while waiting for his visa. He said he felt ready to play against Nashville for whatever amount of time head coach Gonzalo Pineda asked of him.
“I will help the team a lot, and I have confidence about that,” he said. “I have a feeling I can play, so whatever coach will decide, I’m ready."
