My player ratings for Atlanta United following Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Minnesota United at TCF Bank Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: Called on to make just three saves, but there were several balls that he smartly let run past, showing his experience and savvy. ... Was saved by the post on a shot in the final minutes. ... First shutout of the season
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 6: Because of Minnesota United’s high press and the team playing most of the game with 10 men, he didn’t have the space to get up the field as in the previous two games. ... Great cross in 22nd minute that no one could turn home. ... Finished with two tackles.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7: Marshaled the under-siege defense and dealt with getting hit in the side of the jaw in the second half. ... Completed a 94 percent of his passes.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 3: Given a yellow card in the first minute after stopping a breakaway. ... Flirted with that second yellow throughout the first half trying to deal with Abu Danladi’s speed until he picked up his second yellow in the 38th minute.
Centerback Chris McCann, 7: Headed shot in the 22nd minute. ... A solid performance for a player who has rarely played centerback for Atlanta United. ... Won two fouls and completed 87 percent of his passes
Left wingback Greg Garza, 6: Huge block in the 36th minute to deflect a shot headed on goal. ... Like Gressel, he wasn’t too involved on offense, but handled his defensive duties well. ... Left game with a shoulder injury that Martino didn’t think his serious.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: Forced off in the 74th minute with an ankle injury. ... Before that, he was huge in the second bank of four with three tackles.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 6: Kind of odd game for the midfielder, who moved from an attacker to a defender following the Gonzalez Pirez ejection. ... Didn’t make a tackle, but did make a few interceptions and created one chance.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 7: Led the team with four tackles as he worked hard on defense in the second half to preserve the one-goal lead. ... Also won three fouls.
Striker Hector Villalba, 6: His headed shot off the crossbar resulted in Atlanta United’s first goal. ... Denied in one-on-one opportunity a few minutes later. ... Strong run in the 12th minute down the right flank. ...
Striker Josef Martinez, 5: Nice pass to free Almiron down the left flank in the 29th minute. ... Didn’t finish with a shot on goal, but it was unlikely considering the team was down to 10 men.
SUBS
Sal Zizzo (on for Villalba, 64th minute), 5: Came in and did what was needed to preserve the three points.
Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu (on for Larentowicz, 74th minute), 6: Made his pro debut with the senior team and had a big header in the penalty box.
Kevin Kratz (on for Gressel, 86th minute), NR.
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