2024-05-05 02:17:17
Descends from a pointless road draw against Chicago Fire FC, Atlanta United looked to get into the win column at home. But going up against a strong Western Conference opponent in Minnesota United FC was a challenge for the 5-Stripes. They fell to the Loons by a score of 2-1; it was the late goal by Saba Lobjanidze that thwarted Minnesota’s shutout bid.
The game began with both Atlanta and Minnesota crowding the middle third as the clubs played a cautious style of play. The defensive work of the wings, such as Edwin Mosquera, shone through during this time. In the eighth minute of the game, Minnesota saw their first decent look of the first half, but Atlanta goaltender Brad Guzan stood his ground. He then stopped MNUFC’s first corner kick of the match. In the 20th minute, Luis Abram received a yellow card, but the 5-Stripe was able to block the free kick awarded to Minnesota. Much of the first half was a war of attrition as both teams saw well defended chances in the attacking half of the pitch. In the 25th minute, Atlanta got a free kick of their own.
One of Atlanta’s better looks was a corner kick counterattack by the Loons. But MNUFC goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair came out to cut the corner to prevent Lobjanidze from scoring. Just a few minutes later, Abram and Guzan collided on the other side of the field, but Guzan had the sharp awareness from his knees to stop the scoring chance that came from Minnesota.
After missing some time with a knee injury, forward Giorgos Giakoumakis was finishing his return to game form. His scoring opportunity came in the 38th minute when he attempted a header right in the middle of the box, but a last minute save from St. Clair kept the game tied.
The first half of the game ended with Minnesota having more shots, but Atlanta leading the possession percentage.
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