Doug Roberson's ratings for Atlanta United's players from Friday's 2-1 loss against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 5: Nothing he could do on either goal ... Big save in the 50th minute with a dive to his right, and then followed that by knocking away the corner kick with another dive. ... He was put under pressure by teammates with passes a few times in the first half as Atlanta United tried to break Real Salt Lake's pressure, but he completed the pass every time. ... Made three saves.
Right fullback Michael Parkhurst, 6: Starting at right fullback for the third time this season, he got forward twice in the first 25 minutes. ... Switched to left fullback later in the game. ... Created one chance, finished with two tackles. ... Also had a shot. ... Seems to be growing in confidence getting forward and becoming involved in the offense. ... Had a one-on-one in the first half, but was knocked off the ball with a clean shoulder tackle.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 5: Reviewing video of both Real Salt Lake's goals, it doesn't appear that Robinson was at fault on either. ... He tracked back to break up a counter attack in the first half. ... Won most of his aerial duels.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 3: A rough night, but not as rough as some want to make it seem on social media. ... Repeatedly tried to tackle Jefferson Savarino on the final goal, but couldn't stop him. ... Fouling him in that area would have given Real Salt Lake a free kick in a dangerous spot. ... No teammates stepped out to help defend either. ... Was slow to come out and close down the shooting angle on Sebastian Saucedo's goal. ... May need a mental rest in next game because he has now passed more than 1,110 minutes played.
Left fullback Brek Shea, 4: Didn't offer much going forward with a cross blocked in the first half that killed a counterattack and didn't stand out on defense. ... Was subbed off.
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 4: Not tidy on the ball in the first half, which didn't improve by much in the second half as he finished with just 71.1 passing accuracy, a low number for his position. ... No tackles, no chances created. ... Doesn't look like the same player as last year.
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 3: Struggled in possession early, ... Let Sebastian Saucedo drift into the middle of the field unmarked on his first goal....
Wide midfielder Julian Gressel, 5.5: Was one of the few players who were dangerous on offense throughout the game. ... Finished with two shots, one on goal early in the first half, and one chance created.
Wide midfielder Dion Pereira, 5: Starting in place of the injured Hector Villalba, he made his first start this season. ... he and Shea had a few issues connecting passes down the left. ... Pereira grew into the game and showed how good he is with the ball in tight spaces several times. ... No shots, no chances created.
Attacking midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 4: Playing the role typically handled by Pity Martinez, he created just one chance. ... It was a chance worth taking by manager Frank de Boer because Nagbe has shown an ability to get into the penalty box and connect with Josef Martinez this season, but it didn't happen on Friday. ... He did complete 97 percent of his passes, but none of them seemed to cause Real Salt Lake any problems.
Striker Josef Martinez, 6: Scored his team-leading sixth goal to tie the game at 1. ... Had just 26 touches, a number way too low. ... Atlanta United must find ways to get him involved.
xx
SUBS
Pity Martinez (on for Larentowicz, 58th minute), 5: Earned an assist for his pass to Franco Escobar, whose pass led to Atlanta Unite's goal. ... Effort on defense was again inconsistent. ... Took two shots, one on goal. ... A few good free kicks, too.
Franco Escobar (on for Shea, 58th minute), 6: Fantastic work to get off the cross to Josef Martinez that tied the game. ... Made three tackles in slightly more than 30 minutes.
Justin Meram (on for Pereira, 78th minute)x, 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
About the Author
