My player ratings for Atlanta United from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Orlando City at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 6: Making his second start for the Five Stripes, Guzan had no chance to stop Kaka's goal, though he said in hindsight he might have been able to get at least a hand on it. Otherwise, he didn't have to make a save.
Right fullback Anton Walkes, 6: Making his fifth start, Walkes had a huge block to deny Kaka in the 2nd minute. ... Got forward well, but time after time his crosses were blocked, and frequently the ball would go off him and out for an Orlando City throw-in. ... His left-footed shot sailed over the bar in the 60th minute. ... Was tasked with controlling Kaka and did the job well.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7: Making his 21st start, Parkhurst used his reading of the game to neutralize Dom Dwyer and Cyle Larin. The duo, who have combined to score more than 90 goals in their league career, had no shots. None.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8: Making his 21st start, his headed shot was stopped by Joe Bendik in the 13th minute. ... He matched the physicality of Larin and Dwyer well. ... He led the team with four tackles.
Left fullback Greg Garza, 6: Making his 20th start, Garza had a breakaway late that he couldn't convert, and then he may have suffered an injury as he was being tackled on the play. He is supposed to participate in the MLS All-Star Game. Martino said that Garza was fine after the game. He created two chances.
Holding midfielder Carlos Carmona, 7: Making his 18th start, he was tasked with picking up Kaka when he moved in from the left. He did that well throughout the game. The only exception was on the long goal kick that led to a goal ... He finished with three tackles.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7: Making his 18th start and 344th appearance in the league, he was tasked with dropping between Parkhurst and Gonzalez Pirez to create a three-man wall to befuddle Larin and Dwyer. Zero shots.
Right midfielder Julian Gressel, 5: Making his 17th start, Gressel worked hard but rarely got a result, which was similar to last week's game.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8: Making his 19th start, he had his dander up throughout the game. ... He had a fantastic run in the 12th minute that led to a corner kick. ... Hit a 30-hard shot off the post in the 15th minute. ... He hit the side post in the 40th minute. ... Earned a potentially dangerous free kick in the 54th minute. ... Had a long run in the 59th minute that came to nothing. ... Had a shot that Joe Bendik almost spilled into his own goal. ... Had a shot right at Bendik in the 67th minute that should have been a goal. ... HIs pass to Yamil Asad led to the tying goal. ... There was one interesting moment in the second half where he chased down Larin, and then began chatting with him. Almiron covered his mouth as he was talking so that his lips couldn't be read. That's typically not a sign they were talking about Animal Kingdom.
Left midfielder Yamil Asad, 7: Making his 19th start, he made a poor choice to shoot in the 18th minute instead of passing to Gressel, who had space to run onto a shot. ... Picked up a yellow card in the 24th minute for pulling down an Orlando City player on a potential breakaway. ... His pass led to Hector Villalba's tying goal. ... He created a team-high five chances.
Striker Hector Villalba, 8: Poor first touch as he was under heavy pressure cost him a chance on a breakaway in the ninth minute. ... Stole the ball form Spector for a cornerkick in the 30th minute. ... Of course, scored the tying goal in the second minute of injury time. It was his team-leading 10th goal.
SUBS
Brandon Vazquez (on for Gressel, 61st minute), 6: Had one shot.
Mikey Ambrose (on for Garza, 77th minute), NR.
Kevin Kratz (on for Parkhurst, 77th minute) NR.
About the Author
