My player ratings for Atlanta United following Sunday’s 3-0 win against Dallas at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the first soccer game in the $1.5 billion stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: Finger-tip save on a header late in the first half. ... Made a leaping save to his right in the 60th minute when Dallas was pressing to try to get into the game... Finished with two saves and distributed the ball very well.
Right fullback Anton Walkes, 7: Really didn't have much to do because Dallas could never consistently get into the game on offense. I think Walkes is steadily growing into the role.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7: Another steady performance from the captain. ... He and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez combined to neutralize Dallas' Max Urruti. ... He also created a chance on offense and completed almost 90 percent of his passes.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8: When he's locked in, he's one of the best in MLS. He was locked in against Dallas. ... Not only did he score his first goal, but reliably covered his defensive partners across the backline. He put in a few crunching tackles and finished with a team-high 81 touches.
Left fullback Greg Garza, 7: Scored his second goal this season to give Atlanta United a 3-0 lead. ... He was slightly busier than Walkes, finishing with five tackles as he continues to show he should be selected for the U.S. men's national team.
Defensive midfielder Carlos Carmona, 7: Alertly took the quick corner to Miguel Almiron that led to the first goal. ... Pounced on the turnover created by Yamil Asad to spring Almiron on the second goal. Carmona received an assist on the goal. It was his first assist this season.
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: He and Carmona took Mauro Diaz out of the game by taking away his passing lanes. ... Just another smart performance by the vet.
Right midfielder Hector Villalba, 7: Unlike in the previous two games, Villalba worked tirelessly on defense throughout his shift. ... He notched an assist on Pirez's goal and on Garza's goal. ... Finished with three shots, two on target, and created three chances. His best overall game in a while.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8: Earned two assists and generally dribbled his way around Dallas's defense. ... Hit the post with a shot. ... Will be very difficult to stop on the big field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Left midfielder Yamil Asad, 8: Hit the post with a shot late in the first half. ... Created a turnover that led to the second goal, which is something he does very well. ... Finished with four shots, two on target and had five tackles.
Striker Josef Martinez, 8: Scored his 10th goal this season and then his dummy resulted in Garza's goal. ... Finished with four shots, three on target.
SUBS
Julian Gressel (on for Villalba, 72nd minute): No rating.
Chris McCann (on for Martinez, 80th minute): No rating.
Jacob Peterson (on for Almiron, 88th minute): No rating.
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