Atlanta United fell 2-1 to D.C. United Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Jon Gallagher scored his fourth goal of the season and Brooks Lennon recorded his third assist.
Atlanta United dominated the first half in possession but couldn’t convert that dominance into goals. There were a few glimpses heading towards halftime but nothing ever materialized.
D.C. United scored the game’s opening goal in the 77th minute from Russell Canouse. Julian Gressel played a free kick from about 30 yards out into the box where Canouse was able to get in front of his defender and head the ball past Brad Guzan. A totally different Canouse from their last encounter.
Atlanta found an equalizer in the 89th minute from Gallagher, as Lennon delivered a pinpoint cross from the right wing and found Gallagher making a run inside the box where he was able to head the ball in for his team-leading fourth goal of the season.
As Atlanta continued to push for a goal, Gelmin Rivas scored the game-winner for D.C. United in stoppage time, receiving the ball alone inside the box and turning to blast a shot into the upper left corner of the goal.
With tonight’s loss, the five stripes will need to win their next three matches to gain nine points to ensure a playoff spot. They showed grit and tenacity in tonight’s encounter, but if they want a chance at another MLS Cup, they’re going to need to start scoring goals.
“It’s a very frustrating loss; heartbreaking loss,” said Atlanta United’s Brooks Lennon. “Got back into it 1-1, and just a heartbreaking loss. We still have a couple games left and we’re going to fight until the end.”
Atlanta United (5-11-4, 19 points) returns to action Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Orlando City SC (7:30 p.m., FS1, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game, La Mejor).
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATLUTD