After two consecutive losses, Atlanta United bounced back to tie Portland 1-1, earning a tough point at Providence Park on Sunday.
A goal by Julian Gressel in the 46th minute was offset by one from Portland defender Liam Ridgewell four minutes later. It was Gressel's first goal this season. Portland's David Guzman's long-range shot hit the post in extra time, sparing Atlanta United another last-minute loss to go along with the one suffered at Montreal.
Atlanta United (3-4-3) will host Houston on Saturday at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium. It will be its second home game in an eight-game stretch. Atlanta United earned six points in its previous seven games. The Five Stripes have lost two of three at home this season.
Manager Gerardo Martino used a different lineup for Sunday’s game than he has used in the previous nine games. He moved Hector Villalba from the right wing to striker, where he has played previously, and inserted Gressel into the right wing, where he hadn’t played this season.
Additionally, Marietta’s Mark Bloom earned his second start of the season, coming in at left fullback.
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