Atlanta United vs. Orlando FC
Atlanta United Shuts Down Orlando 2-0
Guzan With the Clean Sheet
Atlanta Latinos Magazine – It was a rivalry game on Sunday night at Mercedes-Benz. Atlanta United faced off against Orlando FC, the first of two meetings this year. The match was what you would expect – physical, chippy, and a bit chaotic.
The pace was up-and-down, back-and-forth, frantic at times. There were six yellow cards issued in total, with Atlanta United earning five of those. United committed sixteen total fouls, compared to seven for the visitors.
Atlanta would strike first. In the 9’, Atlanta’s winger Saba Lobjanidze scored the first goal, guiding one past the goalkeeper. Giorgos Giakoumakis earned the assist.
United would add an insurance goal in the 70’. This time Giakoumakis scored the goal, drilling one off the bottom of the top post that found the back of the net. Brooks Lennon was credited with the assist, perfectly setting up Giakoumakis for the one-timer.
From there it was all Atlanta United defense. The backfield was once again solid, thwarting many of Orlando’s thrusts. Atlanta’s goalkeeper Brad Guzan had four saves, earning him and the team’s first clean sheet of the year. In fact, it was Guzan’s eighth shutout in his career against Orlando, the most against any team.
Atlanta next plays at Toronto on Saturday, March 23.
Notes…With his goal, Giakoumakis remained tied for the MLS lead in goals…Guzan appeared in 200th match across all competitions for Atlanta United…Lennon leads United in assists…Orlando dominated possession, 58% to 42%…Atlanta outshot Orlando 13 to 11…attendance was announced as 42,631,
