Atlanta United played Philadelphia Union to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Subaru Park. Saba Lobjanidze scored a second-half equalizer for his team-leading eighth goal of the season. Brad Guzan made six saves, including a crucial one late in second half stoppage time to help Atlanta secure a crucial point on the road. The point helps the club stay within three points of the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta withstood heavy pressure in the opening half hour as Philadelphia controlled possession and had five shot attempts with one forcing a diving save from Guzan. Play started to turn in Atlanta’s favor over the final 15 minutes of the first half. Daniel Rios had an opportunity in the 39th minute off a cross from Pedro Amador at the near post, but his attempt was wide.
Philadelphia scored just after the hour mark as Nathan Harriel buried an attempt from about 20 yards out. Atlanta forced a long clearance just before the goal. But Philadelphia quickly forced the action with Leon Flach playing a long diagonal to start the play. Kai Wagner found the ball with space up the left wing and centered a pass just in front of Atlanta’s back line where Harriel had found space. The right back stepped up and one-touched a powerful right-footed shot into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
We’ll see. We’ve got a home game now against Montréal and that’s one that we have to win. I’ve talked to them about this stage is about winning games. I think that point, in the end, well we’ll see at the end where we’re at. But I think it’s going to be massive.”
Atlanta United coach Rob Valentino on the point’s impact on playoff hopes
The Union continued the pressure from there with Guzan forced into two more saves over the next 10 minutes. Atlanta finally broke through in the 72nd minute from Lobjanidze. Alexey Miranchuk picked up a loose ball off the edge of the box and played to the right for Ríos. He quickly played to Lennon off an overlap toward the end line. Lennon then sent a perfectly weighted cross toward the back post where Lobjanidze had beat his man for an easy header into the back of the net to equalize.
Atlanta United (8-13-10, 34 points) returns to action Wednesday, Oct. 2 when it hosts CF Montreal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, 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
Photos: Courtesy of ATLUTD