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If the first leg against NYCFC wasn’t enough to prove that Atlanta United possessed the toughness and the mettle to make for a legit MLS Cup contender, the Five Stripes’ 3-1 win in the second leg to seal their passage to the Eastern Conference Final surely did the trick. Atlanta only held about 30% possession on the night — one of its lowest totals of the season — but made the most of counter attacking opportunities and never let the visiting Pigeons get clean looks on goal.
Man of the Match: Miguel Almiron
Almiron is quite the sight for sore eyes in Atlanta who have missed him since he left the team’s 2-1 win over the New England Revolution on October 6 early in the first half. Since his return in the first leg of this Eastern Conference Semifinal, Almiron has been the catalyst for Atlanta’s attack. Aside from getting on the scoresheet himself as he did with a 25-yard curling free kick Sunday night, he’s creating plenty of opportunity for teammates.
Full Player Ratings
GK: Brad Guzan - 8.17
RB: Franco Escobar - 7.77
CB: Michael Parkhurst - 7.99
CB: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez - 8.09
CB: Miles Robinson - 7.37
LB: Greg Garza - 7.66
CM: Eric Remedi - 8.20
CM: Darlington Nagbe - 8.28
CM: Julian Gressel - 7.30
ST: Josef Martinez - 9.06
ST: Miguel Almiron - 9.15
SUBS
Sub: Tito Villalba - 6.70
Sub: Ezequiel Barco - 6.91
Sub: Kevin Kratz - 6.50