Miranchuk Brace Not Enough as Atlanta Falls in Home Opener

The home opener brought energy, moments of promise, and a breakout performance from Alexey Miranchuk — but in the end, Atlanta United came up just short.

Atlanta fell 3-2 to Real Salt Lake Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, despite a two-goal performance from Miranchuk. The midfielder recorded his first MLS brace, but three first-half goals from the visitors proved too much to overcome.

Atlanta controlled much of the early tempo, but Salt Lake struck first in the 23rd minute on a quick counterattack. A perfectly weighted through ball split Atlanta’s back line and found Sergi Solans in stride, allowing him to finish past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos.

The visitors doubled their advantage just four minutes later. Aiden Hezarkhani unleashed a blistering strike that curled into the top-left corner, giving Salt Lake a 2-0 lead and quieting the home crowd.

The Five Stripes responded before halftime.

In the 38th minute, Miranchuk delivered Atlanta’s first goal of the season, finishing a one-timer from roughly 10 yards out. The buildup featured two milestone moments — Elias Báez and Cooper Sanchez each recorded their first career MLS assists on the play.

However, Real Salt Lake quickly restored its two-goal cushion. Just minutes after Atlanta cut the deficit, Zavier Gozo found the back of the net to make it 3-1 before the break.

Atlanta continued pushing in the second half and found life again in the 74th minute.

Tristan Muyumba slipped a pass to Latte Lath near the edge of the box. The Ivorian forward dribbled into space behind the defense and squared the ball across the goalmouth to Miranchuk, who calmly finished at the far post with his right foot. The goal sealed Miranchuk’s first MLS brace in an Atlanta shirt and brought the Five Stripes within one.

Atlanta pressed hard for the equalizer in the closing minutes, generating a pair of dangerous chances. Salt Lake’s defense, however, held firm with crucial blocks on attempts from Báez and second-half substitute Matías Galarza to preserve the victory.

Atlanta United (0-3-0, 0 points) returns to action Saturday, March 14 when it hosts Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (3:00 p.m. ET).