Atlanta United fell to Philadelphia Union 1-0 Saturday at Subaru Park to snap its three-match winning streak. Brad Guzan made eight saves, one shy of tying a club record.
Philadelphia had the first chance of the match in the fifth minute as Sergio Santos found himself behind Atlanta’s back line and in on goal, but Guzan came off his line to make a save and keep the match level, one of his five first-half saves.
After a scoreless first half, Atlanta came out strong after the break and had one of its best chances in the 52nd minute where Marcelino Moreno struck a shot from outside the box to force a diving save from Andre Blake.
Later in the 63rd minute, Guzan came up with another crucial save to deny Jack Elliot from the center of the penalty area after the defender had continued his run into Atlanta’s box. But, eight minutes later, Kacper Przybylko put the Union ahead in the 71st minute, slotting home a cross from Jose Martinez at the edge of the six-yard box.
Anton Walkes had this to say about their lack of intensity after the match:
“I could say fatigue, but we had enough time to recover. Could say complacency, could say lack of good fortune. I think we just have to take time now on flight home to reflect. I have to reflect on my performance and situations in the game. We didn’t cope well with their intensity today, so we definitely need to reflect and get ready for Wednesday.”
Atlanta (9-8-9, 36 points) returns to action Wednesday, Sept. 29 when it hosts Inter Miami CF at Mercedes Benz Stadium (7:00 p.m., Bally Sports South, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game, La Mejor).
-Jon J.
Photos: Courtesy of ATL UTD