While Atlanta United has been relatively quiet, other than Barco watch, I thought I’d put together a list of 10 favorite goals from the team’s inaugural season.
Here goes:
Tyrone Mears’ header. The fullback’s only goal for Atlanta United saved a point for Atlanta United on a disappointing road trip. A long cross from Julian Gressel was palmed away, but right to Mears, whose diving header tied the game at 2 in the final minutes.
Villalba from Kann. A goal that was unlike any other Atlanta United scored this season: a long pass from keeper Alec Kann down the middle of the field that Hector Villalba ran onto and chipped over the goalkeeper to give the Five Stripes a 1-0 lead.
Kevin Kratz free kick. Just wow.
Almiron vs. Houston. This was as pretty as it was quick. Miguel Almiron took a short pass from Yamil Asad around 20 yards from goal, created some space with a dribble and hammered a left-footed shot into the upper left corner of the goal.
Carlos Carmona volley. Though the game ended with a loss, Carmona’s first goal for Atlanta United was a beauty: a half-volley at NYCFC from 18 yards away.
Martinez first. Josef Martinez’s first was probably his easiest. I’m still not sure what Minnesota United’s defenders were doing, but Martinez ran onto a pass with no one within yards of him, dribbled for about 15 yards and slotted a right-footed shot low and into the opposite corner.
Gressel vs. Minnesota. I like this goal because it exemplifies Atlanta United’s style under Martino: Gressel gets the ball in the final third, splits Minnesota’s midfield with a diagonal right-to-left pass that draws the Loons to that side of the field. Asad dribbles for a few yards, which draws the defense, before finding Gressel, who continued his run and wasn’t picked up by anyone, before passing to Gressel. He cut back to his left and blasted the shot.
Asad’s opener. If this wasn’t on the list I would have hated myself.
Villalba at Orlando. This had to be No. 1 because of the result, the stakes and the skill.
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