My ratings for Atlanta United's players from Thursday's 3-1 loss to Herediano in the CONCACAF Champions League:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 6: Made several point-blank saves to keep Atlanta United in the game, and also made a few mistakes. ... He tried to keep the team focused after each goal they allowed by talking to his teammates.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 4: One of three players at fault on Herediano's second goal when he unsuccessfully tried to play an offside trap. ... He may be better suited to move back into the middle of a three-man back line and let Robinson move to the right. ... Herediano's speed caused him some problems.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 6: He cleaned up quite a few messes in the back, but was one of many at fault for the second goal. ... Saved Atlanta United by clearing a goal off the line early in the first half. ... Passing was solid.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 4: An uncharacteristically tough first seven minutes during which he made several errors. ... His under-hit header to Guzan led to Herediano's first goal. ... He and Robinson tried to press in a situation in which the team didn't need to, which left the middle of the field open on the second goal. ... Grew into the game and made at least one timely interception in the second half.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 5: Goal in the 41st minute cut Atlanta United's lead to 2-1. ... Failed to get to the back post in time to prevent Herediano's third goal.
Left wingback George Bello, 4: A good game to build on, but made many mistakes. ... His poor pass put Gonzalez Pirez under pressure on the first goal. ... He ran into a Herediano player that led to the free kick and third goal. ... He got an earful from Gonzalez Pirez after he was caught up field later in the game. ... Looked OK going forward, but the defense needs to be the focus.
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 3: One of three players at fault on Herediano's second goal. ... Missing in action most of the night.
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 4: Had a lot of trouble keeping up with the speed of Herediano's midfielders. ... One of three players at fault on Herediano's second goal.
Midfielder Ezequiel Barco, 4: Made a lot of runs, but didn't do much with the final pass and again declined to shoot when in decent positions.
Midfielder Pity Martinez, 5: Earned an assist on Gressel's goal. ... A few dangerous passes and a lack of energy on defense were the summation.
Striker Josef Martinez, 4: More of a hold-up forward than anything else. ... Had two shots.
SUBS
Darlington Nagbe (on fro Barco, 59th), 5: Looked comfortable on the wild turf and dealing with Herediano's pressure. Of course, the team had a 3-1 lead at that point. ... Hit a nice shot that forced a save.
Hector Villalba (on for Pity Martinez, 76th), 5: Hit a good shot near the end that appeared to hit the post.
About the Author
