Doug Roberson of Atlanta Journal-Constitution rates Atlanta United's players from Thursday's 3-1 win against Charleston in the U.S. Open Cup:
Goalkeeper Alec Kann, 6.5: Making his first start this season, he wasn't in position to stop Charleston's first goal because he looked to be trying to maintain position as a passing outlet for Franco Escobar, so I don't think he should be held responsible for the first goal. ... Did really well late to force Charleston to alter two shots in the final minutes. ... Finished with three saves and distributed the ball decently.
Right fullback Franco Escobar, 5: His giveaway led to Charleston's first goal. ... Spent most of his time in Charleston's half because of the Battery's bunkering tactic. ... Created two chances. Really, just not a memorable night.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 7.5: Given an assist on Romario Williams' goal. ... Was a rock in the back, particularly after manager Frank de Boer made his second and third subs as he looked for the tying and winning goals. ... Had his hands full with Charleston's two gigantic strikers, and then against their speedy striker. ... Gregg Berhalter should watch this tape.
Centerback Flo Pogba, 5.5: Making his second start this season, he had a few strong plays and a few that showed he hasn't played in a while. ... Did well with duels with Ian Svantesson.
Left fullback Brek Shea, 7.5: He wasn't in the lineup on Tuesday, but was in on Thursday. ... Nice combo of passes with Carleton around the 30-minute mark. ... Atlanta United's best attacking option through first 50 minutes. ... Good cross to Williams in the 56th minute. ... Ran and ran for 120 minutes. ... Created four chances and completed 84 percent of his passes.
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 6: This game cried out for Nagbe to attempt more line-splitting passes, but that's not something he's going to do much of. ... He kept things simple, was again great in tight spaces and finished with three chances created.
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 6: Given a yellow card for a rough tackle in the 17th minute. ... The captain read the game well, particularly in slowing down the Battery's counterattacks. ... Finished with two chances created.
Midfielder Andrew Carleton, 6: Making his first start this season, he was quiet for the first 25 minutes before really playing well in his remaining time. ... Nice move to create space and get off a shot in the 28th minute, which seemed to get him going. ... Finished with two chances created and one shot on target. ... De Boer said he liked how he played.
Wide midfielder Pity Martinez, 8: A Man of the Match performance with most of that coming in the final 85 minutes. ... A poor first half filled with giveaways and an inability to beat Charleston players off the dribble. ... Totally different in the second half with numerous good crosses and shots. ... Nice cross to Williams in the 53rd minute. ... Picked up an assist on Williams' first goal. ... Peppered Charleston's penalty box with crosses and passes. ... Finished with eight chances created.
Wide midfielder Dion Pereira, 5: A really quiet game, the second consecutive for him. ... Just one chance created and no shots.
Striker Romario Williams, 6: Making his first start this season, he had a much better second half than first half even though he was surrounded by three defenders most of the game. .... Had a shot saved in the 53rd minute. ... Another shot saved in the 56th minute. ... Tied the game in the 79th minute. ... Finished with six shots, three on target.
SUBS
Justin Meram (on for Pereira, 58), 7.5: Assisted on the game-winner and on the third goal. ... Created four chances in just 61 minutes. ... Said he was pleased that he was able to impact the game.
Eric Remedi (on for Pogba 58), 6: Tidying things up in the middle for his final 61 minutes
Brandon Vazquez (on for Carleton, 74), 8: Scored the game-winner and the third goal. ... Good to see him back on the field after an MCL injury took him out for 2 months.
Michael Parkhurst (on for Escobar, 106), 6: He might jokingly argue that his introduction directly led to both of Atlanta United's final goals. He'd be wrong. But it would still be funny.
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