Atlanta United produced yet another clean sheet as they defeated Orlando City SC 1-0 in front of 70,000 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The five stripes had their chances to increase the scoreline but settled for the 1-0 scoreline. The highlight of the match was Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez scoring his first MLS goal, ending the four-month-long drought.
The match-winning goal came in the 14′ minute from the club’s record-breaking signing Pity Martinez. Tito Villalba was leading a counterattack. Julian Gressel was unmarked across the pitch but Villalba opted to let up and feed a nearby Martinez whose first touch was a clear strike at goal.
Orlando City’s Dom Dwyer had his fair share of chances on goal but nothing ever materialized. City loaded their defensive third, making it difficult for Atlanta to penetrate their back line. Orlando’s best chances came on counterattacks with Dwyer hovering high around the halfway line. Leandro González-Pirez was man-marking Dwyer, not allowing any traction into his half.
The second half was a different story. All the momentum Atlanta had seemed to dissipate and Orlando had numerous chances to even the scoreline. Chances were wasted by way of erroneous shots, bad final touches, or missed fouls. Atlanta United keeper Brad Guzan came up big for the five stripes and ended his night with another clean sheet.
My man of the match is Pity Martinez. Now that his family is in America he seems more at ease and is playing much better. He scored his first goal of many today and he’s proven to be a free-kick threat.
Atlanta United will hit the road for their next matchup. They will face the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Wednesday, May 15.
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATLUTD