Doug Roberson's ratings for Atlanta United's players from Saturday's 3-0 win against the L.A. Galaxy at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 8: Earned his league-leading 11th shutout with four saves. ... Played well from the back under L.A.'s pressure. ... Big stop in the 5th minute to deny a one-on-one. ...
Centerback Franco Escobar, 8: Great one-on-one defending with a team-leading four tackles. ... Best game this season.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 8.5: A monstrous game as the Galaxy couldn't beat him in one-on-one situations. ... Won the aerial duals, races to spots and straight-up plays. ...Few last-second plays in first half to deny scoring opportunities. ...
Centerback Flo Pogba, 8: Aware to slide over and block a shot when a Galaxy player was left open at the top of the box. ... Nice pass to Ezequiel Barco to break L.A.'s pressure on the first goal. ... Wasn't credited with any chances, but his passing was outstanding. ... Also, a report tying him with a second-division club in Spain is incorrect.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 8: Created a team-high four chances as he was often left in space as the Galaxy defenders had to decide how much they wanted to stretch from side to side with Barco and Pity lurking in the middle.
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7.5: Named the team's man of the match after two tackles and one chance creatd. Even had a shot.
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 7.5: When L.A. pressed, the ball was often given to Nagbe who found ways to break it time after time.
Left wingback Justin Meram, 7.5: His cross was turned into the goal to give Atlanta United a 2-0 lead. ... Finished with two chances created.
Midfielder Ezequiel Barco, 8: Making his first league start since May 5, he looked fantastic. He turned defenders inside and out throughout his 61 minutes. ... Finished with four shots, one on goal. ... Offense looks much better with him in the game.
Striker Pity Martinez, 8: Manager Frank de Boer said he took a major step forward on Saturday. ... His cross was turned into the goal to give Atlanta United a 1-0 lead. ... Finished with four shots, one on goal, and three chances created.
Striker Josef Martinez, 8.5: His penalty kick was his 18th goal this season. ... It was also his ninth consecutive league game with a goal, tying a record he holds with Diego Valeri. ... Martinez is tied with the New York Red Bulls' Bradley Wright-Phillips for the most goals (68) in three consecutive seasons in MLS. ... He was a menace all night with six shots, three on goal and two chances created.
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SUBS
Emerson Hyndman (on for Barco, 62), 6:
Eric Remedi (on for Nagbe, 71), 6:
Dion Pereira (on for Gressel, 80), NR:
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Supporters Groups and supporters, 10: For the above tifo and the MLS record announced. attendance.
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