Atlanta United drew 2-2 with FC Cincinnati in a thrilling match on the road. Former five stripe Brandon Vasquez and Brenner scored for the orange and blue while Atlanta’s Thiago Almada added a goal and an assist. Atlanta United goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo ended the match with six saves.
In the 17′, Thiago Almada scored the game’s first goal with a screamer from the top of the box. Atlanta continued with the momentum and found a few chances that hit the post, but after so many minutes without a breakthrough, the momentum started to shift.
After Atlanta United’s initial goal, a fire was lit under FC Cincinnati. Brandon Vasquez had two attempts on goal: one whizzed past Rocco Ríos Novo and the other skimmed the top of the crossbar. With the game level after Vasquez’s goal, FCC increased the intensity.
Less than 10 minutes later, FC Cincinnati’s Brenner put the home side up 2-1 after scoring on a set piece. A clear weak spot for the five stripes, set-piece defending has plagued this club for quite a while. Brenner was able to head the ball, unmarked, into the body of a stumbling Juanjo Purata who couldn’t keep the ball out of goal.
In the 83′, Atlanta’s Andrew Gutman brought the five stripes level with his second goal in two matches. There was controversy surrounding the goal as replay would show his arm looked offside. VAR performed a quick review and allowed play to go on to the chagrin of the home fans as well as the orange and blue. After the match, it was confirmed that his goal was the 20,000th goal in MLS history.
The momentum would swing back and forth for the final 12 minutes or so of the match but a match-winner couldn’t be found. With 61% possession, Atlanta will feel like it’s a match that should’ve been won. For FC Cincinnati, earning a point will bring them closer to a playoff spot.
Atlanta (7-9-8, 29 points) returns home to play New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, Aug. 17 (7:30 p.m., Bally Sports Southeast, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game, La Mejor).
-Jon Jones
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD