Almiron sparks Atlanta United past Houston

Miguel Almiron scored three goals, Julian Gressel added another and Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino was ejected in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Houston at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.

In a game that was delayed almost an hour because of lightning strikes in the area, Almiron scored two goals in the first half and a penalty in the second to increase his season total to five goals in 11 games. It was the second hat-trick by an Atlanta United player this season.

Gressel added his second goal in as many games by being in the right place at the right time to toe-poke in a shot after the ball bounced to him in the penalty box.

Martino didn't get to see all of it, at least not from the sidelines. He was ejected in the 53rd minute after protesting referee Allen Chapman's decision to not stop play when Hector Villalba was on the ground and goalkeeper Joe Willis had the ball. Willis kicked the ball toward the sideline in what looked like an attempt to stop play, but Martino booted it toward midfield.

Atlanta United’s defense was anchored by Alec Kann, who made several strong saves to preserve the shutout, the team’s third this season. The loan goal conceded came on a penalty kick late.

With the Five Stripes leading 4-0, 16-year-old rookie Andrew Carleton made his first appearance this season, delighting the crowd.

Atlanta United (4-4-3) improved to 2-2 at home this season with a game against NYCFC next week.