Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution rates Atlanta United's players from Saturday's 2-1 win against Montreal in MLS action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: He truly had nothing to do most of the night because Montreal put just one shot on goal, and it was a deflection that went in.
Right fullback Franco Escobar, 7.5: I thought Escobar would have a chance to shine against Montreal's narrow, bunkering defense by using his speed to get into wide spaces to put in corrses. Instead, it was a quiet night. He did create two chances and couldn't bomb too far forward because of the Impact did prove problematic on the counter. ... Led the team with five tackles. ...Yellow card in 67th minute. ...
Centerback Miles Robinson, 8: He and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez were rocks in the center of the defense, breaking up counter after counter that did manage to get through or around Atlanta United's midfield. ... Finished with four tackles
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8: He was calm and cool (which is rare) in forming a great partnership with Robinson ... Given an assist on the winning goal.
Left fullback Flo Pogba, 6.5: His first start at left back and just his second this season. ... Didn't create any chances and didn't need to make any tackles. ... Still, a good performance and one that shows that he can be an option against bunkering teams at Mercedes-Benz.
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 7: He and Nagbe worked hard to limit the influence of Saphir Taider, who finished with one shot and two chances created.
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 7.5: Completed almost 99 percent of his passes, which is nuts. ...
Wide midfielder Justin Meram, 9: His second league start, scored his first goal with a stunning shot from 25 yards in the 35th minute. ... And then won the game with a shot from inches away in the second half. Also created two chances.
Wide midfielder Pity Martinez, 4: Given an assist on Meram's goal. It was his third assist this season. Odd considering Meram took several touches to set himself up for the shot.... After that, not much for Martinez. During one stretch in second half he failed to run down a pass, lost the ball twice, hit a poor corner and then a poor cross. Things just aren't clicking for him. Was subbed because manager Frank de Boer said he was making "dangerous" decisions.
Attacking midfielder Julian Gressel, 7: Missed a chance to give his team a 1-0 lead inside three minutes, but after that did a lot of things well ... Finished with three chances created and three shots, also had two tackles.
Striker Brandon Vazquez, 6: His second consecutive start. ... Yellow card in the 40th minute. ... Despite having little room in which to maneuver he threw himself around to try to create space for teammates. ... Worked hard on defense...
SUBS
Dion Pereira (on for Martinez, 68), 7: Had a shot on goal almost as soon as he came onto the field and tracked back on defense.
Brek Shea (on for Pogba, 83), NR
Jeff Larentowicz (on for Meram, 87), NR.
X
Southern Fried Soccer Podcasts
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
xx
About the Author
