Atlanta United played its best soccer of the season for the first 20 minutes of Sunday’s game against D.C. United at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Things quickly came apart as the team wasted at least five good scoring chances, converted just one, and eventually fell 3-1 for its second loss at home in three games.
For most of the final 70 minutes, Atlanta United (3-3-2) didn’t look much like the team that fought to earn five points on the four-game road stretch that preceded the game against D.C. United.
Instead, the Five Stripes, who spoke during the week of the excitement of being back home for the first time in more than a month and playing in front of a sold-out crowd, seemed void of energy as D.C. United punished enough of their mistakes. An own-goal by Michael Parkhurst in the 25th minute, followed by strikes from Luciano Acosta (36th minute) and Sebastian Le Toux (55th minute) were enough overcome Kenwyne Jones' opening goal and secure three points. D.C. United had scored just six goals all season before Sunday. It was also D.C. United's first road win in almost a year.
Several times during the game an Atlanta United player would make a mistake and then stand looking instead of trying to get back into position or pressing D.C. United in an attempt to force a turnover.
Manager Gerardo Martino even broke from his preferred 4-3-3 formation in the second half by putting Brandon Vazquez and Jones as dual strikers for the final 17 minutes.
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