The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Doug Roberson (@DougRobersonAJC) rates Atlanta United's players after Wednesday's 2-1 loss against Toronto in the finals of the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs.
» MARK BRADLEY: Atlanta United dominates, yet loses
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 6: Not much he could do to stop Nicolas Benezet's opening goal or Nick DeLeon's second. ... Saved the other two shots he faced.
Right fullback Franco Escobar, 6: Created three chances on offense. ... Possibly could have done better on the first goal to block the shot.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 10: A surprising starter after suffering a shoulder injury two games, he finished his career with one tackle and 86 percent passing. ... One of the best defenders in MLS history.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Combined with Parkhurst to limit Alejandro Pozuelo's influence. ... Finished with three shots. ..
Left fullback Flo Pogba, 6: A mostly quiet night with not much coming down his side.
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: His long pass to Pity Martinez helped draw the penalty kick. ... Said he doesn't have a contract with Atlanta United for next season but said he would like to return.
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 6.5: Took two shots, created one chance. ... May be most remembered in this game for being fouled, with nothing called, in the build-up for Toronto's second goal. ...
Attacking midfielder Pity Martinez, 8: Smart run and pass to Julian Gressel to open the scoring in the fourth minute. It was his second assist in this year's playoffs... Drew a penalty kick a few minutes later. ... Outplayed Michael Bradley throughout. ... Finished with four chances created.
Midfielder Julian Gressel, 7.5: Gave Atlanta United a 1-0 lead with a tap-in. It was his second goal in this season's playoffs .... Finished with four shots, two on target, and two chances created. ... Probably should have made Benezet go left, instead of allowing him to go right, on the first goal.
Midfielder Ezequiel Barco, 6: Great pass that split two of Toronto's lines to Pity Martinez on the first goal. ... That was the biggest highlight for him. ... Took three shtos and created two chances, but wasn't as influential as in past games.
Striker Josef Martinez, 5: Wearing a wrap on his right hamstring because of an injury suffered in training on Monday, he missed a penalty kick in the 10th minute. ... He took the wrap off in the 30th minute and threw it to the sideline. ...
SUBS
Hector Villalba (on for Parkhurst, 81), NR.
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