Doug Roberson's ratings for Atlanta United's players from Wednesday's 2-0 win against St. Louis in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup at Kennesaw State:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7.5: His first shutout since 2-0 win against Chicago. ... St. Louis didn't test him very often. ... Finished with three saves. ... Made smart choices with passes and distribution was much better than it was against Red Bulls.
Right fullback Franco Escobar, 7: A much better performance than in past games, but St. Louis' tactic of bunkering may have also helped. ... Was able to get forward more often because of St. Louis' choices and Pity Martinez's improved defense. ... Big tackle late in the game to stop a counter.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 7.5: After a poor performance against Red Bulls, he bounced back with what has been typical of his this season: strong on the ground and in the air against St. Louis' physically imposing lineup. ... A big tackle midway through the second half to break up a counter. ... Headed away a corner late in the game during St. Louis' final push. ... Even created two chances.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8: Thought he had a massive night in the center of the defense, particularly in the second half. ... Two clearances of corner kicks in the final minutes. .... His offense was poor in the first half with several long passes going out of bounds, but he cleaned that up in the second half.
Left fullback Brek Shea, 7.5: Forming a good partnership with Justin Meram on the left. ... Created three chances and had two tackles. ... A solid night.
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 7: A quiet but effective night because St. Louis didn't try too much on offense.
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 7: Seemed to play well off Emerson Hyndman when he got forward. ... Had three shots, none on goal, and created a chance.
Midfielder Emerson Hyndman, 7.5: Making his debut, earned an assist on Atlanta United's opening goal after a head's up defensive play in the penalty box. ... Moved around well to find space. ... Had four shots, one on goal, and created two chances. ... Also had three tackles, tied for the team lead.
Wide midfielder Pity Martinez, 8: His goal gave Atlanta United a 1-0 lead on a shot similar to his goal against Orlando. ... Big difference in work on defense in this game compared to the past few. .... Also created four chances. .... An inspired performance after being pulled in past two home games. ... Declined to speak after the game, so we couldn't ask the difference for him between this game and others.
Wide midfielder Justin Meram, 8.5: Sloppy in the first half with several heavy crosses and a yellow card after a poor tackle in the 45th minute. ... Much better in the second half with several smart passes and successful dribbles against the overmatched St. Louis fullback. ... Created four chances, tied for the team high. ... So, on the left side of the formation, seven chances were created.
Striker Josef Martinez, 7.5: Cut a frustrated figure in the first half, gesticulating to Franco Escobar, Eric Remedi, St. Louis goalkeeper Tomas Gomez and the officials. ... Worked hard in the second half and earned a reward with a penalty kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time. ... Finished with six shots, three on goal, and created two chances.
SUBS
Dion Pereira (on for Meram, 84), 7: Earned the penalty kick that led to the second goal.
Brandon Vazquez (on for Hyndman, 87), NR:
Julian Gressel (on for P. Martinez, 90), NR:
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