Doug Roberson's ratings for Atlanta United's players from Wednesday's 5-0 win against Houston at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 6: Got his ninth shutout, but got a bit lucky because he missed one cross in the opening minutes, and then was beaten to the near post from a tight angle late in the game.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 6: Only challenged in the second half when he got turned, recovered and then made a tackle that resembled a cowboy wrestling down a calf in a rodeo. ... No foul was called.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 6: Got turned and beaten early by Alberth Elis in a play that contributed to his yellow/red. ... Was about to move centrally so that Robinson could match up with Elis, but then Elis was ejected. ... Got forward and made some sneaky good runs into the penalty box.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Found his passing boots with several good moments that had been missing in previous games. ... His pass set up Brandon Vazquez's goal.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 8.5: His 100th appearance for Atlanta United. ... Earned his fourth assist this season on Darlington Nagbe's goal. ... Picked up his fifth assist on Josef Martinez's goal. ... Got his fourth goal to cap the scoring. ... Created seven chances.
Left wingback Dion Pereira, 7.5: A really good game on offense with strong runs to break Houston's press and more good runs on offense. ... His pass was deflected but found Vazquez on his goal. ... Not challenge on defense because of the red card.
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 8: Scored his first goal for Atlanta United to give his team a 1-0 lead. It was Nagbe's first goal since Aug. 23, 2017. ... Missed a chance to score a second goal in the first half. ...
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: A solid game by the veteran.
Attacking midfielder Emerson Hyndman, 7: His first MLS start. ... Earned his first assist in MLS on Nagbe's goal. ... Found pockets of space, just like he did against St. Louis in the U.S. Open Cup.
Striker Brandon Vazquez, 8: Worked hard from the opening minute to create turnovers. ... Got his reward with a header to give Atlanta United a 2-0 lead. ...
Striker Josef Martinez, 9: Gave Atlanta United a 3-0 lead with a goal in the 60th minute. ... It was the sixth consecutive league game in which Martinez has scored. ... Scored again for a 4-0 lead. His 15th this season.
SUBS
Eric Remedi (on for Hyndman, 64), 7: An assist on Josef Martinez's second goal. ...
Pity Martinez (on for Vazquez, 74), NR:
Mo Adams (on for Nagbe, 77), NR:
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