Atlanta United falls 5-2 to Real Salt Lake at America First Field

Atlanta United finished their double-header week away with a 5-2 loss to a solid Real Salt Lake side. The club quickly got back on track after playing the New England Revolution in Foxborough on Wednesday. Much like that game against New England, this game was a two-halves affair. While the start was shaky, Atlanta managed to maintain control in the first half. But in the second half of the game, Real Salt Lake showed why they are one of the best MLS teams in the Western Conference.

Just a minute into the first half, Real Salt Lake managed to get the ball up the field to open the scoring. RSL midfielder Matt Crooks fired home from inside the box, with the goal assisted by Diego Luna and Braian Ojeda.

Despite a less than ideal start to the season, the 5-Stripes managed to gather their composure and start creating scoring chances to score a goal of their own.^th In the first minute, Daniel Ríos, who had already scored three goals in his last five games, nearly scored Atlanta’s first goal with a header from a tight angle. Alongside Ríos, Ronald Hernández was all over the final third for Atlanta. The stability of the midfield gives players the opportunity to step up for scoring opportunities.

At 21^st The next minute, following a Salt Lake turnover, Bartosz Slisz had the chance to take the first shot but it was stopped by RSL goalkeeper Gavin Beavers. On the rebound, Ríos took a difficult angle shot that went just wide of the net.

Atlanta’s ease in building from the back paid off when they equalised in the 31st minute.^st minute of the first half. After missing time due to international duty with his home country Georgia for Euro 2024, Saba Lobjanidze picked up where he left off. Ríos backheeled the ball to Lobjanidze who put the ball into the back of the net. Bartosz Slisz, who had also missed time due to international duty with his home country, got the secondary assist on the equaliser.

After recovering from the first five minutes of the match, the 5-Stripes finished the first half with eight shots, including three on target, compared to two for Real Salt Lake.