Atlanta United handled business during their home opener handing a hearty defeat to the New England Revolution 4-1. The Five Stripes closed out their first match at home at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with goals from Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis, with the latter scoring his first hat-trick with the club.
A pair of penalties went Atlanta’s way, giving them the advantage over New England. Just before and right after the half, penalties were awarded. Thiago Almada converted the penalty before the first half concluded while Giakoumakis put his attempt away to start the second. New England had an early chance in the 13th minute when a shot beat Brad Guzan but went off the crossbar.
In the 60th minute, Brooks Lennon sent a beautiful cross into the box towards Giakoumakis. The striker, known for his stealth inside the box, finessed his way into space and headed the cross into the back of the net. With a 3-0 lead and all the momentum, they continued the pressure in attack. In the 74th minute, the Greek international earned his first-ever hat trick with the club with a half-volley to celebrate his achievement.
Just a few minutes before the final whistle, Carles Gil scored a quality goal for the visitors to keep Brad Guzan from earning a clean sheet on the night. After receiving the ball in the box, he dribbled to his left and curled his shot past the keeper.
“We’re happy with the victory, with how the team played,” said Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada. “We had to make up for the loss against Columbus and we did it in the best way.”
Atlanta United (1-1-0, 3 points) returns to action Sunday, March 17 when it hosts Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:00 p.m. ET, FS1, MLS Season Pass, 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
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD