Atlanta United gave their best efforts but couldn’t overcome the 4-2 margin in Nashville Saturday. Dax McCarty was a constant threat throughout the night scoring goals and penetrating the backline while George Bello had another good outing and bagged another goal for good measure.
In the 1’ minute from a corner kick, Dax McCarty flicked the ball to the back post where Dominique Badji was waiting to poach. Badji beat Anton Walkes and Brad Guzan to take the early lead.
In the 19’, Ezequiel Barco took a free-kick from about 25 yards out. He served a beautiful ball to Jeff Larentowicz who flicked the ball past Joe Willis to level the match.
Nashville continued their attack and broke down Atlanta’s defense on a throw-in. Hany Mukhtar fought through two defenders to weave his way into the penalty area and finesse a low shot past Guzan in the far corner.
They continued to pour on the aggression and scored their 3rd goal in the first half. Daniel Lovitz went after a fumbling Brooks Lennon and turned him twice in the attacking third. Lovitz sent a lofty cross into the box that found a poaching Dax McCarty. His flick ricocheted off of Anton Walkes and past Guzan to the chagrin of the Atlanta players.
Abu Dunladi put a fourth goal on the board in the 57’ minute for Nashville and it looked like Atlanta was done, but George Bello had other ideas. Adam Jahn sent a low cross past the face of goal to George Bello whose one-timed effort beat Joe Willis and cut the lead in half.
Things just aren’t clicking for Atlanta right now and while the front office is dedicated to a Pity-replacement this transfer window, they need to focus their efforts on a new manager. A manager brings in players to fit his scheme and right now we have a ton of players and no scheme. This Brooks Lennon project is not going well at all. Jon Gallagher made an immediate impact with his presence on the pitch. George Bello is still the lone bright spot on this squad and most underrated. They are definitely missing Darlington Nagbe and Julian Gressel.
Atlanta will get some much-needed rest and prepare for a rematch with Inter Miami CF next Saturday, September 19 at 7:00pm ET.
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATLUTD