Atlanta United loses to Charlotte FC, ending rare win streak
Atlanta United’s hot streak was halted by heavy traffic in the I-85 derby.
Charlotte FC defeated Atlanta 2-0 Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ending United’s three-game win streak.
Supporters in blue were well represented among the more than 40,000 in attendance. Like every rivalry match, the stadium was louder than usual. Charlotte fans marked their territory, and the 17s rained down boos on Charlotte FC center back — and U.S. men’s national team captain — Tim Ream throughout the match.
It was not too long before the Crown got on the board in the 22nd minute as Charlotte striker Idan Toklomati knocked in a short-distance goal with no United defenders in front of him.
Right off the bat, Charlotte dominated possession. In the first half alone, it had eight shots, four on target, with 17 touches in the box. With two big chances missed in the first 45, it could have been a much more lopsided game if not for Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos, who made multiple saves and displayed fearless decision-making by playing off his line to prevent multiple scores.
However, Charlotte made it 2-0 quickly after halftime when winger Liel Abada sent a shot past Hoyos in the 48th minute to seal the victory.
United came into Saturday’s match on a three-game win streak for the first time and three points out of the playoff hunt. Now at 6-13-3 (21 points), the Five Stripes drop a spot to No. 13 — four points outside playoff qualifiers.
The Crown traveled to Atlanta sitting in fifth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, firmly in the playoff picture, having won all but one league match since returning from the World Cup break in July. With three more points, Charlotte improves to No. 4 in the East.
Saturday’s match was the final regular season meeting between the highway rivals this season. They previously battled to a 2-2 draw in July, and United knocked Charlotte out of the U.S. Open Cup round of 16 on the road in April. The all-time series record now stands at 6-3-1 in Charlotte’s favor.
United defender Matt Edwards started at left back for Elías Báez, who missed the match serving a one-game suspension after accumulating five yellow cards this season. Báez started all of his 19 appearances this year. Edwards, 23, made his sixth appearance in the starting lineup this season.
While it was a humbling loss for the Five Stripes, help is on the way. The recent signings of forward Breel Embolo and midfielder Mauricio Amaro were both listed as out because of the visa process, but that could change soon. United chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said earlier this week that he’s hopeful Embolo’s status will be resolved in the next week. Meanwhile, Amaro was signed two weeks after Embolo, but his timeline remains unclear.
Atlanta will face Inter Miami FC next on Sept. 5, and United might have at least another new face on the roster, as Henderson indicated the club isn’t done making moves before the summer transfer window closes on Tuesday.