Atlanta United played to a 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC Saturday at Exploria Stadium. Adam Jahn scored his first goal for the club deep into second half stoppage time to split the points.
Each team created chances early and Ezequiel Barco had the game’s first shot on goal in the ninth minute when his direct free kick from 25-yards out was saved by Pedro Gallese. Atlanta had another set piece opportunity in the 21st minute when a corner kick fell to Anton Walkes at the back post, but his attempt missed just wide.
Orlando took the lead in first-half stoppage time. From a corner, Daryl Dike took a shot from the middle of the box, but it was redirected by Benji Michel into the bottom left corner.
Atlanta nearly leveled the match in the first minute of the second half. Brooks Lennon delivered a cross inside the six-yard box from the right side for Erick Torres, but the forward’s header bounced wide of the left post. A minute later, Emerson Hyndman took a shot from distance, but it was hit right at Gallese who parried it away.
Atlanta United continued to push for the equalizer as Barco put a free kick on target in the 63rd minute, and Jahn had a headed attempt saved in the 81st minute.
Atlanta eventually scored the game-tying goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Walkes played Jake Mulraney on the left side where he sent a cross to the middle of the box. Jahn rose above Kamal Miller and delivered a towering header into the bottom left corner to level the match. Mulraney and Walkes both registered their first assist for Atlanta United.
The roster is sure to be shuffled over the coming weeks with all the uncertainty of what’s coming. Pity’s exit has been confirmed, Barco has shown frustration in consecutive matches at his substitution (while rumors fly of his exit), all while interim manager Stephen Glass his feeling his way through things as the front office boasts of finding a replacement for Pity “quickly”.
STATS
Shots: 15-9 Orlando
Shots on Target: 6-4 Atlanta
Corner kicks: 4-2 Atlanta
Fouls committed: 15-13 Orlando
Clearances: 15-7 Orlando
Offside: 4-2 Orlando
Possession: 56-44 Atlanta
Passing Accuracy: 85-83 Atlanta
Atlanta United (3-4-2, 11 points) returns to action Wednesday, Sept. 9 against Inter Miami CF (8:00 p.m., FOX Sports South, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game, La Mejor).