My player ratings for Atlanta United following Sunday’s 0-0 draw New York Red Bulls:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 8: Had three saves, including two big ones in the second half. ... He hasn't been scored on in 488 minutes. ... Came out a few times in the first 15 minutes to claim crosses or long passes through.
Right fullback Anton Walkes, 6: Put in a great cross in 17th minute that was turned out for a corner kick. ... Led the team with four tackles. ... Completed just 60 percent of his passes. ... Will be interesting to see what will happen with Walkes in the offseason. He is on loan from Tottenham HotSpur.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7: His reading of games remains strong as he again cut out so many runs and through balls on Sunday. ... I tweeted during the game that it's a shame he isn't being called into U.S. men's national team camps if for no other reason than he could teach the younger defenders proper positioning.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Worked hard to keep Bradley Wright-Phillips from being able to turn and face the goal, but also flirted with a yellow card over and over until he received one in stoppage time in the second half. He will miss the crucial game against Toronto.
Left fullback Mikey Ambrose, 6: In for injured players Greg Garza and Chris McCann, Ambrose played well against the Red Bulls' strong attack. He didn't create any chances, but his passing was tidy and he didn't allow anyone to get behind him for crosses.
Holding midfielder Carlos Carmona, 7: It is fun to watch Carmona and Jeff Larentowicz work both individually and together in playing defensive midfielder like it's supposed to played. They broke up attack and attack and kept Kljestan from having too big of an influence in the middle of the pitch.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: Four strong clearances and blocks in the first half, including one in the 37th minute on a shot from Kljestan. ... Team has 12 shutouts this season.
Right midfielder Hector Villalba, 6: Nice combo play with various teammates in the first half ... Missed his best chance just before the half when he pushed a left-footed shot just wide. ... Two good shots in first five minutes of second half were stopped by Robles. ... Threw himself back-first into a tackle in the 72nd minute but escaped a yellow. ... His defense was hot and cold all night.
Attacking midfielder Julian Gressel, 6: Got into a good position and missed a right-footed shot to the short side in the 10th minute. ... Had a chance for a highlight goal from 45 yards wide after Robles mishit a clearance, but his shot went wide. ... Continued to combine well with Villalba early in the second half ...
Left midfielder Yamil Asad, 5: it a header right at Luis Robles in the 7th minute from just a few yards out. ... After that, he wasn't involved too much in the offense.
Striker Josef Martinez, 5: Got very little service throughout the game. ... Passes played to him were either too long or in spots that he couldn't take advantage of.
SUBS
Kevin Kratz (on for Martinez, 78th minute), NR:
Jacob Peterson (on for Villalba, 84th minute), NR.
Kenwyne Jones (on for Gressel, 89th minute), NR.
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