ATLANTA, GA (July 4th, 2017) –  Once the sun set, the fireworks began.  Atlanta United and San Jose Earthquakes combined for five second half goals, with Atlanta prevailing in a 4-2 victory.  Atlanta United dominated time of possession, holding a 67% to 33% advantage.

San Jose struck early in the first half with a goal by Tommy Thompson in the 2’.  This was the quickest goal scored against Atlanta in its short history.

The match may have turned in the 32’ minute, when San Jose’s Kofi Sarkodie was issued his second yellow card of the match.  This resulted in his ejection.  From there on, Atlanta played with a one-man advantage for the remainder of the game.

After trailing 1-0 at half, Atlanta United was finally able to exploit the man advantage at the 55’ mark in the second half.  Carlos Carmona converted a blocked shot in to the team’s first goal.

Josef Martinez then added the first of his two goals in the 65’ to put Atlanta ahead 2-1.  However, the lead was short lived, as San Jose immediately responded with a Chris Wondolowki goal a minute later.

The game winning goal came on a header from Anton Walkes in the 81’ on an assist from Julian Gressel.  Josef Martinez later added a second goal to seal the 4-2 victory.

The game was marred by 24 fouls, eight yellow cards, and one red card.  Two San Jose players were ejected from the match.

Notes:  With his two goals, Josef Martinez took over the team lead in goals scored with nine…Anton Walkes scored his first goal of the year in 81’…Alex Kann missed his first game of the season.  He will be out 6-8 weeks with a quad injury.  Kyle Reynish made his first start of the season…Game attendance was announced at 44,974.