My ratings for Atlanta United's players after Saturday's 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 8: Led team to its eighth shutout this season. ... Made three saves.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 8.5: As he has done most of the season, put in quite a few excellent crosses in front of Real Salt Lake's goal. ... Gave Atlanta United a 1-0 lead with his third goal this season on a nice piece of skill. ... Earned his 14th assist on Hector Villalba's goal.
Centerback Franco Escobar, 7.5: Solid shift as a centerback instead of playing as a right fullback. ... Easily handled Damir Keilach.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7.5: No-nonsense shift that saw a confident Gonzalez Pirez frequently upfield joining the offense.
Centerback Jeff Larentowicz, 7.5: The team's captain in place of Michael Parkhurst, Larentowicz put in a Parkhurst-like shift with no tackles, a lot of completed passes and a leadership.
Left wingback George Bello, 7.5: Solid debut for the 16-year-old. ... Not bothered on defense and put in a few crosses on offense. .... Tied for the team high in tackles (4).
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 7.5: Wayne Rooney will be considered the best summer signing in MLS. Remedi should be considered the second-best signing for his work shielding the defense and relieving pressure.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 7.5: A brilliant performance in connecting offense and defense. ... Real Salt Lake could rarely get near him when he had the ball and when they tried to close him down the pass was away.
Wide midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8: Earned his 14th assist on Gressel's goal. ... Almiron is eighth player in MLS history to have at least 14 assists in consecutive seasons. ... Ran and ran and ran and was unlucky not to score several times.
Wide midfielder Hector Villalba, 7.5: Unlucky in the 20th minute when his shot hit the post and the bounce went right back to Nick Rimando in the 20th minute. ... Then missed a golden chance in the 32nd minute. ... Scored his seventh goal to give Atlanta United a 2-0 lead.
Striker Josef Martinez, 7.5: His dummied header gave Villalba the time and space to score his first goal.
SUBS
Jose Hernandez (on for Bello, 73), NR: His MLS debut.
Miles Robinson (on for Leandor Gonzalez Pirez, 88th minute), NR.
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