Atlanta United played to a scoreless draw against Orlando City SC Wednesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brad Guzan made a season-high six saves and posted his fifth clean sheet of the season. It was the team’s second consecutive shutout and third in its last four matches.
Guzan was called into action in the 11th minute and made an impressive double-save. Kyle Smith sent a cross in from the right side where Daryl Dike directed a diving header right at Guzan, who parried it into the air. The ball fell to Robinho who struck a low shot aimed at the bottom left corner. Guzan quickly dropped to his right to block the shot before he kicked the ball out for a corner to prevent further danger.
Atlanta’s best chance of the first half came in the 18th minute. Jon Gallagher delivered a corner kick to center of box where Miles Robinson put a strong header on goal, but it was hit right at Brian Rowe who pushed it away.
Atlanta thought it had a chance for a penalty kick just before halftime. Brooks Lennon played Adam Jahn into the box where he appeared to be brought down by Rowe who came off his line, but instead it was ruled a corner kick and both teams went into the half scoreless.
Both sides pushed for the breakthrough goal and Atlanta nearly found it in the 71st minute. Lennon sent a corner kick to the back-post, but it was headed out across the box and trickled back to Lennon. He lofted another cross to the far side where an Orlando defender attempted to clear it, but the ball fell to Anton Walkes in the center of the penalty area. The center back one-timed a shot on goal, but Rowe made a kick save which was cleared away.
Guzan made a pair of huge saves in the final minutes of the match. In the 86th minute, Nani led a counterattack down the left side and dribbled into the box. He squared a ball for Junior Urso who one-timed a shot near the penalty spot, but Guzan palmed the ball away for a corner. Joey DeZart nearly picked out the top-left corner with a curling shot in the first minute of stoppage time, but Guzan made a leaping catch to preserve the draw.
Atlanta United (5-8-3, 18 points) returns to action Saturday, Oct. 10 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against New York Red Bulls (6:00 p.m., FOX Sports South, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game, La Mejor).
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD