Atlanta United defeated Real Salt Lake 2-1 on Wednesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The five stripes cruised to victory behind a Ronaldo Cisneros brace on the night. Johan Kappelhof tried to power his side to victory with a goal of his own but fell short.
Atlanta United opened the scoring in the 7′ minute thanks to a strike from Ronaldo Cisneros. The loanee from Chivas Guadalajara had a special goal celebration, dedicated to his pregnant wife.
In minute 33′, Cisneros earned his brace on the night. With an assist from Matheus Rossetto, Cisneros led the counterattack and found himself 1 v 2. Thanks to the through-ball-flick from Rossetto, Cisneros had an edge on his defenders, squared his boots, and beat the goalkeeper near-side.
Three minutes later, Johan Kappelhof gave Real Salt Lake a lifeline by scoring the team’s first goal on the night. Former five stripe Justin Meram sent a beautiful cross into the box and found an unmarked Kappelhof, who finished the job with a beautiful header to beat Rocco Rios Novo.
Thiago Almada was having a night and was desperate to get a goal. In the 63′, Aiden McFadden sent a pass through traffic to an unmarked Almada. At the top of the box, he squared himself to goal and went for it, only to be denied by the post.
After returning from a months-long injury, Machop Chol has been making the most of his chances. The young Wake Forest alum had two opportunities to score tonight and came up big for Atlanta when defending set pieces.
Atlanta United finally broke out of their funk with this 2-1 win tonight against RSL. They’ll look to continue their form as they host rivals Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, July 17, at 3:00 PM.
-Jon Jones
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD