My ratings for Atlanta United's players from Sunday's 2-1 win against against Orlando City:
Goalkeeper Alec Kann, 7.5: Making his first start this season in place of the suspended Brad Guzan, Kann looked sold. ... Stopped a header from Cristian Higuita in the first half. ... Got down low and to his right quickly to stop a shot from Justin Meram in the 52nd minute. ... Could he have done better on the shot that he punched away, only to see it to land at Meram’s feet? Possibly. But a solid performance for a guy who hasn’t played in more than 10 months.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 7: Back in the starting lineup with the reversion to the 3-5-2, Gressel had a bad touch early, but then whipped in one of the crosses that has made him invaluable in the formation. ... Defense can be inconsistent, but offense remains solid.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 7.5: Making his second start this season, Robinson again looked confident. ... Kept things simple with his passing, which is an area he is trying to improve. ... Meram turned him on a shot in the 52nd minute. ... Could argue that he didn’t react quickly enough to get to the deflection on Meram’s goal. ... Really pushing Chris McCann and Franco Escobar for playing time.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, the team’s captain, 8: Combined with Gonzalez Pirez to shut down Dom Dwyer. ... An All-Star and Best XI candidate.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8: For a guy playing with four yellow cards, he continues to make intelligent but aggressive tackles. ...
Left wingback Greg Garza, 8.5: Got into a good position, which made Cristian Higuita to pull him down in the penalty box for a penalty kick that Martinez converted. ... Picked up his fourth assist this season on Ezequiel Barco’s goal. ...
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7.5: Did Sacha Kljestan do anything in this game?
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 7.5: Consistency, thy name is Nagbe. ... Took advantage of whatever space Orlando City gave him to relieve pressure or start attacks.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8: The front-runner for MLS MVP had another solid game. If not for some communication/chemistry issues with teammates in the first half, Atlanta United could have had two more goals.
Striker Ezequiel Barco, 7.5: Scored his second goal this season in the 31st minute. ... Again proved a handful in the middle of the field because of his dribbling ability.
Striker Josef Martinez, 7.5: Scored his eighth goal this season on a penalty kick in the 10th minute. ... Had a few other chances but couldn’t get the timing right on shots or the communication right with teammates. ... Body language remains interesting and still having trouble getting onto the same page with teammates regarding crosses.
SUBSHector Villalba (on for Barco, 68th ), 5: Other than a yellow card, a quiet game in what is a quiet season for him.
Romario Williams (on for Martinez, 79th minute), NR:
Kevin Kratz (on for Nagbe, 87th minute), NR:
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