The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Doug Roberson rates Atlanta United's players from Sunday's 3-1 win against New England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 8: Reached behind him to stop Cristian Penilla in one-on-one in the second minute. ... Finished with three saves.

Centerback Franco Escobar, 5: Two mistakes in the opening eight minutes resulted in one New England and should have resulted in another if not for Guzan. ...

Centerback Miles Robinson, 7: Another fantastic display of one-on-one defending.

Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Much, much better than in his previous games. ... Created a chanced, made two tackles and looked much more confident.

Right wingback Julian Gressel, 9: His 11th assist this season resulted in the opening goal. ... His 12th assist led to the second goal. ... His sixth goal gave Atlanta United a 3-1 lead. ...

Left wingback Justin Meram, 6: Another quiet performance in a recent string of them.

Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: When he starts, Atlanta United's defense plays much better up the middle.

Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 8: Smart late run to score the team's opening goal. ... Created two chances and completed 96 percent of his passes.

Attacking midfielder Emerson Hyndman, 8: Playing too well to be taken out of the lineup with two chances created, 80 percent of his passes completed and two shots.

Striker Ezequiel Barco, 8: Credited with an assist, his third this season, on Gressel's goal as part of a very in-control effort. It was his first start since the end of August.

Striker Josef Martinez, 8.5: His third assist this season led to the opening goal. ... His 27th goal this season gave Atlanta United a 2-0 lead. ... He assisted on the third goal, giving him four this season.

SUBS

Hector Villalba (on for Barco, 64), 7: Two shots in 26 minutes.

Flo Pogba (on for Meram, 64), 7:

Michael Parkhurst (on for Gressel, 79), 10.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

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