Atlanta United beat New England Revolution 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and tied the league’s record for wins in a regular season during the post-shootout era. George Bello and Julian Gressel scored goals for Atlanta, as Bello became the sixth-youngest player in MLS history to score. The five stripes earned a precious three points before the international break and will stay ahead of New York Red Bulls in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Atlanta United struck the first blow early in the 16′. The young standout George Bello was on the receiving end of a through-ball from Leandro Gónzalez-Pirez that he smashed into the nearside netting past the keeper. This was the 16-year-old’s first professional goal, making him the sixth youngest player in the league to score.
A scary moment happened in the 30′. Miguel Almirón, who had been fouled multiple times already, was substituted out for Ezequiel Barco. After the match, Atlanta manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino would tell us he’s undergoing testing but its believed to be a muscle injury.
In the 52′, Tito Villalba orchestrated the second goal. The Paraguayan international dribbled into the final third and pushed a soft through-ball to Julian Gressel who sent a low shot to the far corner beating the keeper.
Atlanta United had plenty of chances throughout the game to light up the scoreboard. The first half was full of long balls, good ones at that. But almost every time, play was called dead thanks to the offside flag. Atlanta’s formation caused problems for the New England back line as their attack spread the Revolution too thin, leaving Bello tons of space to work with the entire match (they also boasted 62% possession).
New England added a goal in second-half stoppage time from Juan Agudelo. Diego Fagundez chipped a ball into the box that Agudelo played around Guzan before putting into the back of the net.
Atlanta United (20-6-6, 66 points) returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 21 when it hosts Chicago Fire (3:00 p.m., FOX Sports South, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD