Atlanta United 3, Philadelphia 0: Player ratings

September 27, 2017  Atlanta United striker Hector Villalba drives the ball on the right wing.

Credit: MIguel Martinez

Credit: MIguel Martinez

September 27, 2017 Atlanta United striker Hector Villalba drives the ball on the right wing.

My ratings for Atlanta United's players following Wednesday's 3-0 win against Philadelphia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: Another clean sheet, his fifth in the past six games, after three saves and claiming four crosses.

Right fullback Anton Walkes, 7: Didn't need to be too involved in the offense, but handled his defensive duties well with two tackles and neutralizing Fabrice-Jean Picault and Haris Medunjanin.

Centerback Jeff Larentowicz, 7: Starting in place of Michael Parkhurst, who was given a rest, Larentowicz once again proved his versatility and professionalism with another composed display. ... Had a team-high 90 touches.

Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8: Continued his excellent form by eliminating C.J. Sapong, who had just one shot on target...Even created two chances for the offense...Should receive consideration for MLS Best XI.

Left fullback Chris McCann, 7: Combined with Yamil Asad a few times in the first half. ... Didn't create any chances on offense, but handled his defensive duties well.

Holding midfielder Kevin Kratz, 7: Starting in place of Larentowicz, he smartly dummied a pass from Julian Gressel that led to Josef Martinez's opening goal ... Proved interchangeable with Gressel and Carmona in the midfield.

Holding midfielder Carlos Carmona, 7: I find myself writing the same things about Carmona game after game, which shows how consistent the Chilean is. ... Completed more than 90 percent of his passes. ... Had three tackles ... Really helped Atlanta United own the first half.

Right midfielder Hector Villalba, 7: Didn't seem to have the same energy in the first half that he has had, but still played well... Unleashed one long shot that Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake was lucky to push away. ... His assist on Jacob Peterson's goal was beautiful.

Attacking midfielder Julian Gressel, 8: Great vision to spring Josef Martinez with a long pass in the seventh minute. ... Scored his fourth goal this season to give his team a 1-0 lead. ... Assisted on Josef Martinez's goal. It was Gressel's ninth this season.

Left midfielder Yamil Asad, 6: Quiet but effective game for the midfielder. ... Had one long shot turned away. ... Created three chances. ... Had two tackles.

Striker Josef Martinez, 7: Denied by Andre Blake in the seventh minute after he beat Jack Elliott. ... Scored his first goal and 18th this season in the 33rd minute. ... Had an assist on a goal that was overturned. ... Once again was denied a penalty on what looked like a handball on a defender. That's at least the third time that's happened to him during the homestand.

SUBS

Greg Garza (on for Asad, 68th minute), NR:  His first minutes since sustaining a hamstring injury against New England. ... Showed his usual skill on the ball and crossing ability.

Kenwyne Jones (on for Martinez, 82nd minute), NR. Won a header that could have been turned into a goal if not for a good recovery by Philadlephia's defense. ... Still think he's going to have a big impact this season.

Jacob Peterson (on for Gressel, 86th minute), NR. Scored his third goal to cap the night.