Atlanta United drops three points to last place DC United, fails to move into playoff position

Atlanta United fell 1-2 to DC United in a limited capacity and socially distanced Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday evening. Heading into the final minutes of the match, it seemed Atlanta had faltered against the worst team in the league on home turf. Then John Gallagher gave Atlanta a chance to walk away with crucial, crucial points. Then it came crashing down. Let’s get into it, I guess.

Atlanta United now finds itself at 12th in the East, two spots below the playoff line, with 19 points from 20 games.

Lineups

Highlights

Atlanta controlled the first ten minutes of the match but couldn’t complete any passing sequences to create solid shot opportunities. About ten minutes into the match, DC forced a save out of Brad Guzan.

Former Five Stripe Yamil Asad picked up a yellow in the 29th minute after fouling Marcelino Moreno right outside DC penalty area.

Moreno took the subsequent free kick and forced a save out of DC United goalkeeper Bill Hamid.

Ezequiel Barco picked up the second booking of the night in the 39th minute. Six minutes later, Moreno forced another save out of Bill Hamid to close out the first half.

The opening minutes of the second half were somewhat of a slog until Moreno created his own shot outside the penalty area, but Hamid was unperturbed.

DC United captain Russel Canouse scored the go ahead goal in the 78th minute. Watch if you want.

John Gallagher headed a Brooks Lennon cross past Hamid in the 88th minute to give Atlanta a late chance at stealing all three points.

Atlanta’s comeback hopes were short lived thanks to a rocket of a shot from Gelmin Rivas in the second half stoppage minute.

And that was the game.

Tweet of the Match

What’s Next?

Stephen Glass and his squad are visiting Orlando City on Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.