My ratings for Atlanta United's players from Saturday's 2-0 win against the Philadelphia Union:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: Distribution was a bit off, but he led a group that posted its sixth shutout. ... Finished with three saves.
Right fullback Franco Escobar, 7.5: Got back to cover the back post around the 25th minute ... Philadelphia didn’t have much success coming down his side. ... Created one chance, had two tackles and won a foul.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 8: Broke up a few attacks, led the team in touches (71) and stayed under control throughout the game. ... Fantastic pass to Miguel Almiron for the first goal.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7.5: Earned in a caution in the 19th breaking up a Union counter-attack. ... Block of a shot in the 38th minute. ... Second on the team in touches and he and Gonzalez Pirez began hitting long balls to break Philadelphia’s lines. ... Called it a really solid team performance
Left fullback Mikey Ambrose, 6.5: First rough display on defense since moving into the starting lineup. ... Had trouble dealing with Ilsinho on the left, which is where the Union had a lot of success in building attacks. ... Still, left the game with a shutout.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 7.5: Still developing a chemistry with Julian Gressel.
Midfielder Julian Gressel, 7.5: Still developing a relationship with Larentowicz, but developing into the position. Didn’t create any chances, which is rare for him. ...
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8: Forced a save from Andre Blake in the 12th minute. ... Brought down in the penalty box, resulting in the penalty kick that led to the 1-0 lead. ... His ninth assist this season helped Atlanta United to a 2-0 lead.
Right midfielder Hector Villalba, 7.5: Made a nice run to force a foul about 30 yards away in the 22nd minute. ... Scored his third goal of the season to give Atlanta United a 2-0 lead. ...
Left midfielder Ezequiel Barco, 7: Passed up a right-footed shot in the 18th minute that he just won’t take and I just don’t understand why. ... PUt through in the 38th minute by Josef Martinez, but shot was blocked after a series of cutbacks.
Striker Josef Martinez, 8.5: Scored his 18th goal on a penalty kick in the 58th minute. ... Played Barco through on a chance he should have finished in the first half. ... His pass to Almiron led to Villalba’s goal. ... Really combining well with his teammates
SUBS
Chris McCann (on for Ambrose, 73rd minute), 7: First action since June 2 after recovering from a hamstring injury. ...
Bradon Vazquez (on for Villalba, 84th minute), NR:
Kevin Kratz (on for Barco, stoppage time), NR
