Doug Roberson's ratings for Atlanta United's players from Saturday's 2-0 win against New England at Gillette Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: Saved the only shot he faced. ... Was strong in the box on crosses and free kicks. ... Distribution was solid.
Right fullback Michael Parkhurst, 7: Playing right fullback for the first time with Atlanta United, he didn't face too many problems and even got forward near the end of the first half. ...
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Easily handled Juan Caicedo in helping Atlanta United post its first shutout this season. ...
Centerback Miles Robinson, 7: Cut out a cross early. ... Got back in 40th minute to cover for Parkhurst. ... A solid night for the young player in front of his hometown fans and family members.
Left fullback Brek Shea, 7.5: His best night as a defender for Atlanta United. ... Finished with two tackles, two interceptions, four clearances and 12 recoveries.
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, NR: After a couple of good tackles, he was forced out of the game. He knocked heads with Luis Caicedo in the first minute. The team said Remedi was pulled because of a head injury.
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: A quietly effective night in his return to the starting lineup.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 8: Started off as an attacking midfielder and played well with several key passes. ... Moved to defensive midfielder when Remedi left. ... Manager Frank de Boer said he played excellently.
Forward Hector Villalba, 8: Selected ahead of Pity Martinez and Ezequiel Barco, he torched New England's defense all night, he just couldn't put an of his three shots past Cody Cropper. But he did come up with two assists, his first two this season.
Forward Julian Gressel, 7: Selected ahead of Pity Martinez and Barco, he was lively on the right. ... Had a shot cleared off the line and followed with a pinpoint cross to Josef Martinez. ...
Striker Josef Martinez, 7.5: Shot cleared off the line early. ... Sent Gressel on goal in the 15th minute with a nice pass. ... Totally whiffed on an easy shot in the 19th minute. ... Clever, lobbed pass to Villalba to start the sequence on Atlanta United's first goal. ...
SUBS
Ezequiel Barco (on for Remedi, 15), 9: Nice pass down the sideline put Gressel behind the defense for a cross in the 19th minute. ... Scored Atlanta United's first goal, his second this season. ... Added his second goal with an amazing shot in the 49th minute. ...
Franco Escboar (on for Villalba, 78), NR:
Pity Martinez (on for Barco, 87), NR:
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