Aftershock: Atlanta United Stuns San Jose 2-1
Almada Saves The Day
Atlanta Latinos Magazine – It was the first match of the season. The first home game of the year. Mercedes-Benz was open to full capacity on Saturday night, welcoming the San Jose Earthquakes to Atlanta. The teams rarely play each other, the last match being in 2019. When they do play, the games tend to be exciting one-goal affairs. And this one did not disappoint.
San Jose took the lead early in the first half. Jeremy Ebobisse scored on a header in the 12’ minute. He benefitted from a beautiful cross in to the box from Cristian Espinoza. A second assist was credited to Rodrigues from Brazil.
The 1-0 lead would stand up through halftime and through regulation time. However, the referee added seven minutes of stoppage time. That was enough time to allow United’s young 21 year-old star time to change in to his Superman outfit. Thiago Almada struck a high laser beam off the top of the post that shot straight down and into the net in the 93’ minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The goal came off a set piece from a corner. Brooks Lennon was credited with the assist.
With mere seconds left in extra time, United earned a free kick from the top of the box. With the crowd at a fever pitch, Almada calmly drilled the shot past the wall and goal keeper and into the back of the net for the 2-1 victory.
Atlanta’s defense was solid if not spectacular. United benefitted from the return of its two star defenders. The captain, Brad Guzan, made his triumphant return to goal after tearing his Achilles early last year. Likewise all-league defender Miles Robinson retuned the pitch after his own early season Achilles injury.
The game was exciting and entertaining. There very few hard fouls, allowing the up-and-down and back-and-forth action. And the 17s did not disappoint, keeping up the energy in the stadium and propelling the team to a comeback victory in the final stages of the match.
Atlanta United plays at home again next Saturday night against Toronto FC.
Notes…This marked the first game for Atlanta United where Josef Martinez was not on the roster. Martinez was traded to Inter Miami prior to the season…Atlanta United is now 4-0 all-time against San Jose…Luiz Araujo missed a penalty kick midway through the game…Atlanta led in time of possession 60% to 40%…Atlanta outshot San Jose 20-10…attendance was announced as 67,538.
