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Full-time: It’s over. Atlanta United get their first win over D.C. and their first of 2018. Hallelujah!
85’ - Atlanta United 3, D.C. United 1: Darren Mattocks gets D.C. on the board
75’ - Atlanta United 3, D.C. United 0: Just like that, Atlanta United have opened it up with two goals in two minutes. This time it’s Tito Villalba with a glancing header that finds its way into the net off an Almiron assist.
Tito makes it 3-0! pic.twitter.com/KYoeFbjZ3y
— Dirty South Soccer (@DirtySouthSoc) March 11, 2018
73’ - Atlanta United 2, D.C. United 0: It’s 2-0! Miguel Almiron has found the back of the net for the first time this season. Julian Gressel found Miggy at the top of the box with a cutback pass and the Paraguayan made no mistake with his shot.
MIGGY STRIKES! pic.twitter.com/3FtIE5ug0M
— Dirty South Soccer (@DirtySouthSoc) March 11, 2018
Half-time: Atlanta still lead, 1-0. They have been utterly dominant for the who first 45 minutes with D.C. barely able to touch the ball within 25 yards of Brad Guzan’s goal let alone create a dangerous chance.
25’ - Atlanta United 1, D.C. United 0: They’ve finally found the net! After about 115 minutes of action this season, Josef Martinez has put the Five Stripes on the board. It all started with Darlington Nagbe breaking pressure and finding Tito Villalba in tons of space. Tito dribbled about 150 yards and slotted a great ball to Josef Martinez who made the perfect run.
Nagbe -> Tito -> Josef pic.twitter.com/kE9BbtXBME
— Dirty South Soccer (@DirtySouthSoc) March 11, 2018
TIFO ALERT: An awesome tifo display today “The League Will Burn” with the supporters section wearing shirts that form flames in the stands.
ATL tifo, with the fans wearing shirts to look like the section is in flames #MLS pic.twitter.com/xt2log4Qux
— Steven Streff (@streffsoccer) March 11, 2018
Copa-de-Glutton Results: Sam def. Haris 40-35. Lots of money raised for a great cause. The day’s off to a good start...
The final tally in the Copa-de-Glutton. @samjfranco takes down @HKruskic. 75 total wings eaten and over $1,000 raised for @fugeesfamily
— Dirty South Soccer (@DirtySouthSoc) March 11, 2018
Massive thanks to @TheFactionATL and @DEalesATLUTD for supporting our dumb ideas pic.twitter.com/ahZZKKLIEJ
Pre-Match: After a miserable preseason and an even worse season opener, Atlanta United finally come home to play in front of what should be a boisterous crowd. While it’s nice to be home, picking up that first win of the season won’t be easy with familiar foe D.C. United coming to town.
While being one of the worst teams in the entire league last season, Ben Olsen’s side somehow managed to defeat Atlanta three different times in their inaugural side. They are the perennial thorn in the Five Stripes’ side with their defend first, counter-attacking style. Will Tata Martino learn from last season and adjust to their negative approach? We can only hope.
There are a few injury concerns heading into this one. Brandon Vazquez has been confirmed to be out, while it appears that Leandro Gonazlez Pirez is a game-time decision, though he did train unhindered on Friday.
Can Atlanta finally beat D.C. United? Let’s find out.
Note: We’re trying something new with our match threads this year. We’ll be updating the post with updates of goals and big moments as they happen. Check back every so often during the match for highlights and commentary.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
#ATLUTD's Starting XI against @DCUnited pic.twitter.com/Jnlu6aRqzv
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 11, 2018
D.C. United’s Lineup:
United. #DCU | #ATLvDC pic.twitter.com/IH0RWLWdKq
— D.C. United (@dcunited) March 11, 2018
How to Watch
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Kickoff Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Available TV: ESPN (USA), Sky Sports (UK)
Available Streaming: WATCHESPN, Sling TV
Available Radio: WAOK 1380 AM (available via official ATLUTD mobile app)
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