Different coach, same result: Atlanta draws against Houston

New interim head coach Rob Valentino’s first match of the 2024 season began with a goal from a former Atlanta United player in the fourth minute of the match. Former Atlanta defender Franco Escobar headed a Houston miss to give the road team a 1-0 advantage. It would end with Atlanta United in a similar position to where it was before Valentino took over from former manager Gonzalo Pineda: with a draw at home.

United drew 2-2 against Houston on Saturday night after leading 2-1 for most of the second half. After the final whistle, more than 42,600 people booed.

The game would, however, be tied in the 25th minute when a long pass from goalkeeper Brad Guzan was collected by reserve Luke Brennan, who was in the game replacing the injured Edwin Mosquera, and resulted in several shots on gola to Atlanta. The latter of the two shots was a direct shot from Rios, who started up front in place of outgoing Giorgos Giakoumakis. The goal is Rios’ second of the season in seven matches.