Atlanta United leads Seattle, the defending MLS Cup champions, 3-0 after the first 21 minutes.
Atlanta United is playing nine of the probable 11 that will start the March 5 season-opening game against New York Red Bulls at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium. Seattle was starting what would be considered its B team, with no probable starters such as Clint Dempsey, Nicolas Lodeiro, Chad Marshall or Jordan Morris opening against Atlanta United.
Atlanta United opened the scoring in the first minute when Josef Martinez intercepted a poor pass in the penalty box and slotted it home.
Two minutes later, Julian Gressel, a rookie making his first start in the third preseason game, was fouled in the penalty box on a corner kick. A penalty kick was awarded. Miguel Almiron rifled it left to give Atlanta United a 2-0 lead.
The lead increased to 3-0 in the 21 minute when Gressel sent a through ball to Hector Villalba, who blew past the fullback and found the back of the net. It was his second goal this preseason.
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