My ratings for Atlanta United's players from Thursday's 1-0 loss against New York Red Bulls in the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference final. Atlanta United took the series 3-1 and will next play for the MLS Cup:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: On a night that figured to be a shooting gallery, Guzan had to make just five saves. ... Probably should have done better on the punch before the Red Bulls' disallowed goal. ... Fought through traffic time after time to claim crosses. ... Distribution was what it needed to be with consistent passes to Franco Escobar near midfield.
Centerback Jeff Larentowicz, 8: Huge performance. ...Line-splitting pass to free Josef Martinez early in the game. ... Fantastic block off a cross that resulted in a goal kick. ... Outran Bradley Wright-Phillips to keep the ball in New York's half in 12th minute. ... Opta had him with two tackles (none lost) and six clearances, including five inside the penalty box.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 8: Set a season-high for clearances (16) before sustaining an injury in stoppage time. ... Just cut out almost everything the Red Bulls sent in.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 9: Couple of clearances and tackles in first 10 minutes. ... Sprinted back to disrupt a shot by Kaku. ... Huge sliding block to cut out a through ball in opening minutes of second half. ... Five recoveries. ... A rock in the center of the defense. ...
Right wingback Franco Escobar, 7: A much more quiet performance than his goal and assist in the first game becuase this time Red Bulls didn't allow him space on the right. ... Finished with 2 tackles and helped limit the influence of Daniel Royer going forward.
Left wingback Greg Garza, 7: More successful getting down the field than Escobar, while also helping negate Alex Muyl Tyler Adams. ... A solid performance.
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 8.5: Helped limit service to Bradley Wright-Phillips, who had just one shot on goal. ... Had seven recoveries as Atlanta United fought to win most 50-50 balls.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 8: Kaku was again a non-factor and that was because of work done by the midfield, led by Nagbe. ... Finished with six recoveries in more evidence of Atlanta United's desire to win 50-50 balls.
Midfielder Julian Gressel, 8: Mostly quiet in first 20, hit a low screamer that forced a diving stop by Luis Robles. ... Finished with seven recoveries and three tackles. Solid.
Midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8: Worked hard on offense and defense to stifle or start threats. ... Nine recoveries and three tackles.
Striker Josef Martinez, 6: Busted through in first 20 seconds but scuffed his shot. ... Hold-up play was inconsistent, but his speed and presence was enough to keep the Red Bulls centerbacks from creeping forward.
SUBS
Hector Villalba (on for Martinez, 70), 7: Was a nuisance in his short time with one shot.
Ezequiel Barco (on for Almiron, 90), NR:
Miles Robinson (on for Parkhurst, 90), NR:
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