Atlanta United come out on top in New England against the Revolution after a 2-week break in Gillette Stadium.
The 5-Stripes return to action with a strong performance on the road; Captain Michael Parkhurst made his return to the line-up after suffering a minor injury last week, along with Brek Shea to strengthen Frank de Boer’s backline. The full Starting XI against the Revolution: Brad Guzan (GK), Brek Shea (LB), Leandro González-Pirez (CB), Miles Robinson (CB), Michael Parkhurst (RB), Jeff Larentowicz (MID), Eric Remedi (MID), Darlington Nagbe (MID), Tito Villalba (FWD), Josef Martinez (FWD), Julian Gressel (FWD).
The 5-Stripes came out firing from the initial whistle, applying pressure from the front three causing Revolution Head Coach Brad Friedel’s side trouble from the beginning. Atlanta tested New England early as Darlington Nagbe would find space behind the Revolution’s defense sending forward Josef Martinez on a breakaway against goalkeeper Cody Cropper that would result in a goal line clearance from New England’s center back Andrew Farrell. Atlanta United would be forced to make an unexpected substitution after midfielder Eric Remedi suffered an injury; ultimately leaving the match. Ezequiel Barco would enter the pitch sparking the Atlanta attack immediately, creating opportunities for the 5-Stripes.
Atlanta’s impressive attack would come close to opening the score in the eighteenth minute when Julian Gressel would slice a ball in behind the Revolution’s backline across the six-yard box before connecting with Josef Martinez who came up just short from knocking it past Cropper.
The waves of attack continued, which soon enough couldn’t be contained by New England. Ezequiel Barco would strike first after a crafty Tito Villalba dribble down the left wing, capitalizing for his second of the season.
Frank de Boer’s side would pressure the Revolutions build up which grew the confidence of Atlanta’s offensive, allowing the attack to begin to manufacture their chances higher up the field.
Atlanta United’s strong performance in the midfield helped them head into the locker room at half with a one goal lead for the second time of the season.
The halftime break would play favor to the 5-Stripes as they continued their consistent pressure from the start. Former Revolution and now Atlanta United’s Jeff Larentowicz would have a crucial role in the midfield battle by shutting down New England’s outlet, allowing Nagbe and Barco freedom to join forward.
Atlanta then doubled its lead just four minutes after halftime, as Barco curled a ball into the upper right corner after an attack had appeared to fizzle out. Villalba again got to the end line and centered a ball into the box that went untouched toward the edge of the 18-yard box. Barco corralled it and took a few steps before unleashing his shot in the upper corner.
Atlanta didn’t let off the gas creating two more clear goal scoring opportunities by Martinez and Villalba, forcing Cropper to stand strong to keep any hope alive.
Atlanta defender Franco Escobar would enter the match after being out of the lineup due to injury to lockdown the lead. Pity Martinez would also sub in for the goal scorer Barco to prolong the Atlanta United’s attack.
With the first win the 2019 season Atlanta United head home with 3 pts to face FC Dallas at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 20th, make sure to secure your tickets here.
