Atlanta’s Late Rally Not Enough vs Minnesota

Atlanta United rallied late with a goal in the 82nd minute, but ultimately fell 2-1 to Minnesota United FC on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta continued fighting until the final whistle. Saba Lobjanidze provided a spark off the bench with his second goal of the season, and the team turned up the pressure in the final minutes searching for an equalizer. But Minnesota’s two goals after halftime proved too much to overcome as  their late rally wasn’t enough after falling behind by two goals.

The Five Stripes struggled to generate many threatening chances in the first half outside of a few opportunities from set pieces.

Atlanta’s best opportunity came in the 32nd minute, but Saba Lobjanidze was called offside after rounding the keeper. Just a few minutes later, Brad Guzan made a crucial save to deny Tani Oluwaseyi and keep the game scoreless.

In the 38th minute, Giorgos Giakoumakis nearly put Atlanta ahead. After Edwin Mosquera set up a cross, Giakoumakis got his head to the ball, but Dayne St. Clair made a fantastic tip over the bar to avoid disaster.

Atlanta continued knocking on the door in the waning minutes with a flurry of crosses and speculative shots, but Minnesota’s backline held firm. The Five Stripes were unable to breakthrough again despite a few late free kicks and corner kicks.

“There were some mistakes, specifically defensively, but I think the effort was there and there was full commitment from the team and some good plays.” said coach Pineda.

Now Atlanta will look to regroup and refocus its heading into a midweek U.S. Open Cup match before returning to MLS play this  weekend.

Atlanta United will look to rebound from the defeat when they return to MLS Regular Season play Saturday, May 11 when it hosts D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.