Atlanta United rally to earn a point on the road against rival Nashville SC

Atlanta United traveled to GEODIS Park to play some Southern soccer against neighboring rival Nashville SC. Tasked with playing on the road without its two main playmakers, Atlanta United rallied from behind to force a 1-1 draw and earn a point during MLS Rivalry Week.

The intensity was felt between these two rivals, even more so as the second half progressed, as both clubs entered Saturday yearning for a turnaround. With this result, the 5 bands break their streak of three consecutive defeats in MLS. Nashville SC, led by interim head coach Rumba Munthali, earns its first point in the post-Gary Smith era. Smith, the only head coach in MLS history, left Nashville SC earlier this week.

Nashville opened the scoring in the 40th minute. Tyler Boyd played a through ball to Hany Mukhtar, who was running upfield, defended by Noah Cobb, inside the box. Goalie Brad Guzan came off his line to make a save and Mukhtar dove to the ground. A foul was called and the official awarded a penalty to Nashville. 2022 MVP Landon Donovan converted the PK to give the home team a one-goal lead.

The story of the first half for Atlanta United was the lack of a final pass, which was no more evident when after stringing together a few passes, including a tight triangle between Bartosz Slisz, Ronald Hernández and Saba Lobjanidze , Atlanta United maintained possession in their offensive half. . The ball was kicked out to Caleb Wiley in space for what appeared to be a chance to put the ball in a dangerous area. The Homegrown center sailed high, beyond the trajectory of any Atlanta or Nashville player, and out of bounds.

Atlanta United finished the first 45 with no shots on goal and 0.07 expected goals.

The second half looked better for Atlanta United’s attack, and the team was rewarded with a goal from Slisz in the 56th minute. In its attacking third, Atlanta recycled possession, looking for an opportunity. Tristan Muyumba, patient with the ball, set up his midfield counterpart beautifully just beyond the box, and Slisz placed a quality first-touch shot on goal to level the match 1-1 in the 56th minute.

It was the first career MLS goal for the Poland international, who joined Atlanta United last offseason.