Doug Roberson's ratings for Atlanta United's players from Sunday's 2-0 win against Portland at Providence Park:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 9: Finished with five saves, including a save of the year in the 64th minute when he went down low and to his left get one hand on a shot. ... distribution was great. ... 12 shutouts this season.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8.5: His first goal in MLS this season, and second overall, gave Atlanta United a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute. ... Centerbacks struggled a bit in first half, but settled down in the second half to limit Portland to mostly long-range shots. ...
» More: How will Atlanta United stay in first?
Centerback Miles Robinson, 7: Tough ask with Brian Fernandez, but did well in the second half when he won his one-on-one battles. ...
Centerback Flo Pogba, 6.5: Really struggled in the first half, particularly with his positioning, but bounced back in the second half. ... Lost his man at back post in third minute. ... Yellow card later in the half. ... By the end of the game, I had forgotten that Jeremy Ebobisse was playing.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 8: Fantastic pass on Josef Martinez's first goal. ... One of three chances he created. ...
Left wingback Justin Meram, 8: Fantastic effort on defense, particularly in the second half. ... Got back to break up one counter, and then a cleared a backpost cross a few minutes later. ... Also got forward to create three chances.
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: Worked hard to limit the influence of Diego Valeri, who created four chances. ...
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 8.5: Warm reception in his first game at Providence Park after being traded to Atlanta United in Dec. 2017. ... Another standout display as he took the wind out of Portland's press whenever he got on the ball. ...
Attacking midfielder Ezequiel Barco, 6: Tracked back in fifth minute to break up a counter. ... Passed up a shooting chance near the end of the first half. ... Stoned by Steve Clark a few minutes later. ... Just couldn't put his shots on frame, but did get into good spots. ... Created four chances.
Striker Pity Martinez, 7.5: Strong work in the 10th minute to get into the box, but was then tackled. ... Brought down from behind in the box near the end of the half but again no penalty. ... At least the fourth time in three games he had an opportunity to win a penalty if not for the referee not making the call. ... Five shots, none on goal. ... Created two chances.
Striker Josef Martinez, 8.5: Good work to get to the corner first that led to Gonzalez Pirez's opening goal. ... Fantastic goal in the 46th minute to give Atlanta United a 2-0 lead. ... It was his 11th consecutive league game with a goal. ...
SUBS
Emerson Hyndman (on for Barco, 71), 6.
Dion Pereira (on for Meram, 84), NR.
Hector Villalba (on for P. Martinez, 88), NR.
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