Atlanta United, FC Dallas Battle to 1-1 Draw in Thrilling Clash

In a thrilling showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United and FC Dallas played to a 1-1 draw in front of a raucous crowd of 41,984 fans. Both teams brought intensity and pace to the pitch, but neither side could find a winner in a match full of attacking flair, physical challenges, and key saves.

Atlanta United struck first in the 17th minute when Miguel Almirón calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes the wrong way. The goal gave the home side a deserved lead after a strong start that included multiple corners and near misses.

FC Dallas, however, refused to back down. After halftime, they began to find more rhythm through the midfield, particularly via Luciano Acosta and striker Petar Musa. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Musa rifled a right-footed shot into the top right corner to equalize. It was one of many chances that Musa was involved in throughout the match.

The second half saw a flurry of substitutions, as both managers looked to seize control. Atlanta brought on Ronald Hernández, Ajani Fortune, Noah Cobb, and Aleksei Miranchuk, while Dallas introduced Anderson Julio, Bernard Kamungo, and Kaick Ferreira to spark fresh energy into their attack.

Atlanta pressed hard in the closing stages. Miguel Almirón and Saba Lobjanidze both came close to regaining the lead for the Five Stripes—Lobjanidze’s 77th-minute strike from the right side of the box was saved brilliantly by Paes, while Almirón’s follow-up minutes later narrowly missed the mark.

Defensively, both sides were tested. Atlanta’s Noah Cobb made a crucial block on Musa in the 78th minute, while Brooks Lennon and Stian Gregersen were active in intercepting through balls and disrupting Dallas’ rhythm.

Dallas remained dangerous on the counter, with Acosta pulling the strings and Kamungo looking lively, but Atlanta’s backline and Brad Guzan stood tall to preserve the draw.

The match saw no shortage of fouls and free kicks, adding to the stop-start nature of the second half. Players like Lennon, Hernández, and Muyumba were consistently involved in tight duels, and the energy never dipped as both sides fought until the final whistle.

Atlanta United will return home on April 12 to take on the New England Revolution at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as they look to climb the Eastern Conference standings and build momentum.