Atlanta United Edges Portland 1-0 Behind Miranchuk Goal

Atlanta United picked up a big road win Saturday night, defeating the Portland Timbers 1-0 at Providence Park behind a first-half goal from Alexey Miranchuk and another strong defensive performance from Lucas Hoyos.

The victory gave Atlanta its third road win of the season and marked the club’s second consecutive clean sheet.

Portland created the first real opportunity of the night in the 11th minute, attacking down the right side before sending a cross toward Kristoffer Velde in front of goal. Velde connected with a close-range header, but Hoyos reacted quickly to make the save.

Atlanta answered five minutes later. A long ball over the top found Breel Embolo near the penalty spot. The striker tried to round Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis, but Pantemis got down quickly and poked the ball away before Embolo could finish.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Júnior Alonso played the ball forward to Miguel Almirón on the left wing. Almirón drove toward the end line and sent a cross back toward the top of the box.

Miranchuk collected the ball, cut inside past a defender and curled a beautiful left-footed shot into the lower-left corner.

The goal gave Atlanta a 1-0 lead and marked Miranchuk’s sixth goal of the season.

Portland nearly answered in the 36th minute on a dangerous free kick from Velde, but Hoyos came up big again, tipping the shot over the crossbar to preserve the advantage.

Atlanta carried the 1-0 lead into halftime and continued to create opportunities after the break.

In the 61st minute, Elías Báez delivered a cross from the left side toward Embolo, who rose for a header from six yards out. His attempt went just wide of the right post.

Seven minutes later, Almirón nearly doubled the lead with a left-footed strike from the left side of the box, but the ball skipped just past the far post.

Portland continued searching for an equalizer, but Atlanta’s defense stayed organized and Hoyos finished the night with three saves.

The clean sheet was Atlanta’s third of the season, with the last two coming in back-to-back matches after the Five Stripes also held D.C. United scoreless in a 0-0 draw.

For Atlanta, the result was another encouraging step. After struggling to find consistency earlier in the season, the Five Stripes are beginning to show more composure defensively while continuing to generate dangerous attacking opportunities.

Miranchuk provided the finish. Hoyos and the back line made it stand. And Atlanta walked out of one of the league’s tougher road environments with all three points.

Atlanta United improves to 7-14-5 with 26 points.

The Five Stripes return home on Saturday, Sept. 26, when they host New York City FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.