Atlanta United 3, San Jose 1: Player ratings

Images from the match between Atlanta United and San Jose Earthquakes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, September 21, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta United)

Credit: AJ Reynolds

Credit: AJ Reynolds

Images from the match between Atlanta United and San Jose Earthquakes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, September 21, 2019. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta United)

Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution gives his ratings for Atlanta United's players from Saturday's 3-1 win against San Jose at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: Ruled an own-goal on San Jose's opener, but I think the ball actually went off Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. ... Had to make only one savel

Centerback Franco Escobar, 8: Drew the second foul on Cristian Espinoza that led to his ejection and San Jose playing with 10 men for the final 56 minutes. ... Led the team with four tackles and completed more than 90 percent of his passes.

Centerback Miles Robinson, 8.5: San Jose made the tactical decision to try to let Robinson beat them with his passing. It didn't work. Robinson created a chance, completed more than 93 percent of his passes and had several timely stops.

Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8: An excellent game. He also created a chance and completed more than 96 percent of his passes. ... I think the own-goal actually went off his foot.

Right wingback Julian Gressel, 7: His right leg buckled in the 29th minute when he came down awkwardly after trying to tackle Valeri Qazaishvili, but Gressel stayed in the game. ... He took two shots and created two chances.

Left wingback Justin Meram, 6: His fourth goal this season gave Atlanta United a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute. ... Seeing-eye pass to Josef Martinez in the 13th minute that led to a free kick. ... Yellow card in the 24th minute. ... Beaten by Espinoza on the header and race to the end line on San Jose's first goal. ...

Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 6.5: Because of San Jose's pressing style, Remedi was all over the field filling a lot of different roles but was most effective eliminating Jackson Yueill from the game. ... Eventually he was subbed off as Atlanta United looked to find the winning goal.

Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 7: Had a few charging runs that stressed San Jose's defense, and earned an assist on Hyndman's game-winning goal. ... Also took two shots, both on goal, which are a lot for him.

Midfielder Emerson Hyndman, 9: Yellow card in the 14th minute for professional foul. ... Missed a chance to give his team a 2-1 lead near the end of the first half when his shot from 6 yards went over the crossbar. ... Made up for it wit the game-winning goal, continuing his habit of scoring in big games. ...

Midfielder Pity Martinez, 7: His pass to Meram helped open the scoring and offset a poor half of passing. ... Scored the team's third goal with a well-taken strike. ... Was fouled a game-high four times, many of which gave the team good scoring chances.

Striker Josef Martinez, 7: Smart dummy to Pity Martinez on the opening scoring sequence. ... Left the game in the second half with an apparent injury to his right knee.

SUBS

Hector Villalba (on for Meram, 60), 7: Earned an assist on the third goal. ... His speed was a threat to San Jose's defense.

Brandon Vazquez (on for Remedi, 65), 7:  Earned an assist on the third goal. ... Took two shots and created two chances in just 12 minutes. ...

Mo Adams (on for J. Martinez 79), NR:

X

Southern Fried Soccer Podcasts

Can be found on I-tunes and Spreaker

For more content about Atlanta United:

Follow me on twitter @DougRobersonAJC

On Facebook at Atlanta United News Now

Atlanta United coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Have a question? Email me at droberson@ajc.com