My player ratings for Atlanta United following Saturday’s 2-0 win at Columbus:
Goalkeeper Alec Kann, 8: Saved a volley struck right at him in the 13th minute. … His long kick led to Hector Villalba's first goal. It was his first assist in MLS. … Punched away another corner in the 53rd minute. … Almost had another assist. Team posted its second consecutive clean sheet.
Right fullback Anton Walkes, 6: Making his third consecutive start across all competitions because manager Gerardo Martino said he is playing well, Walkes made a big block on a shot in the 49th minute. … Finished with one tackle and two fouls conceded. … Didn't create any chances but didn't get too many opportunities. Team has two clean sheets with him in the lineup.
Centerhalf Michael Parkhurst, 7: Returning for the first time to Columbus since being traded to Atlanta United in the offseason, Parkhurst said it was nice to be back. … He was caught in the leg and then in the chin in the first 25 minutes. … Finished with a team-high 42 touches. … Called the win a professional result.
Centerhalf Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Part of a defense that posted its second consecutive clean sheet. … Finished with 40 touches. … Read the game well, cutting out several long balls. …
Left fullback Greg Garza, 7: Drew a foul in the 5th minute off pressure deep in Columbus' half. … Give-and-go in the 18th minute led to a free kick. … Threw himself in front of a shot in the 90th minute. …
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 6: Giveaway with a long pass in the 16th minute. … Tired to split the lines with another tough pass in the 24th minute. … Broke up attack after attack.
Holding midfielder Carlos Carmona, 6: Several strong tackles and no yellow cards as the pairing with he and Larentowicz continues to develop.
Right midfielder Hector Villalba, 8: Opened the scoring in the 27th minute. … Missed a breakaway in the 60th minute on a tough shot. … Scored his second goal in the 64th minute. … Declined to speak to the media after the game.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 7: Pressure created a break that resulted in his shot hitting the post from a tight angle in the 12th minute. … Created two chances in a quiet game for him.
Left midfielder Yamil Asad, 6: Another quiet game for Asad, something that's happened in the past few. … However, he was fouled seven times.
Striker Josef Martinez, 5: Missed a sitter in the 37th minute after another long ball. … Really a quiet game. … Looked very angry at being subbed off. Martino said no players likes to leave a game.
SUBS
Julian Gressel (on for Villalba, 66th minute), NR.
Brandon Vazquez (on for Martinez, 83rd minute), NR
Kevin Kratz (on for Asad, 90th minute), NR
