Atlanta United played Orlando City SC to a 1-1 draw at Exploria Stadium Saturday night. Tyler Wolff scored his second goal of the season and Brad Guzan returned to the starting lineup seven weeks after suffering a sprained MCL against New York City FC on April 8 to record four saves.
Orlando opened the scoring in the 30th minute through Kyle Smith. Ivan Angulo dribbled the ball into the left side of the box before cutting it back to Mauricio Pereyra, who played a pass towards the penalty spot that reached Facundo Torres. His shot was blocked, however, the rebound fell to Smith on the right side of the six-yard box and the defender struck a low shot past Guzan.
With the game hanging in the balance, Guzan made a crucial stop, his fourth save of the match, in the 78th minute with a diving save to his right to deny substitute Martín Ojeda’s long-range effort.
Atlanta continued to push for the equalizer in the second half and had a chance in the 79th minute. Thiago Almada found the ball near midfield and played a long pass into the right side of the box to Miguel Berry. Berry then sent a right-footed effort just past the far post.
It’s not an easy season. You play in multiple weather conditions, surfaces, timezones etc. A lot of games now on a quick turnaround. It’s not easy for me. I need some more consistent lineups, so once we have the full team back from injuries, suspensions I would like to repeat the lineups.
Gonzalo Pineda post-match
Seven minutes later, Atlanta found the leveling goal from Wolff. Off an Atlanta corner kick, the ball rolled to Matheus Rossetto who forced a diving save from Pedro Gallese with a shot from the edge of the box. The rebound fell to Wolff, where the Homegrown calmly placed his left-footed finish into the roof of the net for his second goal of the season.
Atlanta had opportunities to score the game-winning goal with the best chance coming in second-half stoppage time as Almada played Machop Chol into space. The winger took a touch but fired a right-footed shot over the goal.
Atlanta United (6-4-5, 23 points) returns to action when it hosts New England Revolution on Wednesday, May 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7 p.m., MLS Season Pass/FS1, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor). All Atlanta United matches are available with an MLS Season Pass subscription, located on the Apple TV app.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of ATLUTD