My ratings for Atlanta United's players following Wednesday's 2-0 loss Sporting KC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 3: Received a red card in the first half following a tough tackle of Khiry Shelton.
Right fullback Sal Zizzo, 6: Solid in for his first start this season. ... Probably Should have closed down Daniel Salloi more quickly on his goal.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 6: He couldn’t reach the pass that put Shelton in on goal and led to the red card to Guzan. ... Otherwise, played well
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Made two strong tackles in the first 10 minutes, showing no signs that he was worried about the potential of a yellow card and automatic one-game suspension.
Left fullback Greg Garza, 5: After the red card, Garza focused on defensive duties in what was a quiet game.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 5: Received a yellow in the 31st minute after a hard tackle of Khiry Shelton. ... Really, did well to help hold off Sporting KC for as long as they did. ...
Holding Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 6: Great pass to Villalba in the 15th minute whose shot forced a save. ... Tried to combine with Almiron when he could get forward.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 7: Pinpoint cross in the 22nd minute across the face of the goal, but no one was there to turn it home. ... Was energetic throughout the second half.
Left wing Ezequiel Barco, 6: Needs to shoot more when he cuts in on his right foot.
Right wing Hector Villalba, 5: Excellent cross in the 11th minute that was cut-out with a last ditch tackle by Ike Opara. ... Vicious volley in the 15th minute that forced a save. ... Subbed off in 37th minute following red card to Guzan.
Striker Josef Martinez, 4 : His goal in the sixth minute was wiped away after referee Mark Geiger used the reply system to confirm that he was offisde, which is becoming a bit of an issue for the Venezuelan.
SUBS
Paul Christensen (on for Villalba, 37th minute), 6: Huge save in the 50th minute in his first moment of action. ...
Kevin Kratz (on for Larentowicz, 75th minute), 6: Two free kicks saved in the final few minutes of the games.
Romario Williams (on for Martinez, 76th minute), 5: Had one good opportunity that sailed wide.
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