Atlanta United and Nashville SC Battle to 1-1 Draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Atlanta United played to a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC on Saturday in front of 41,893 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The match featured key milestones for the Five Stripes, as Miguel Almirón netted his third goal of the season to move into second place in club history with 24 goals, and Brooks Lennon became Atlanta’s all-time assist leader with his 40th across all competitions — including a club-record 36 in MLS regular-season play.

Atlanta came out strong, controlling possession and pressing Nashville’s backline from the outset. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when a sequence of quick ball movement resulted in a cross from Pedro Amador. Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis attempted to punch the ball clear, but it landed at Lennon’s feet on the right side of the box. The veteran defender fired a low cross toward the six-yard box, where Almirón calmly tapped it home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

After the early goal, both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm, with chances coming at a premium. Nashville eventually equalized in the 66th minute off a well-executed corner kick. Hany Mukhtar delivered a curling ball from the right side, which found Daniel Lovitz in the center of the box. Lovitz directed his header into the bottom left corner, leaving Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan with no chance.

Nashville continued to grow into the match and nearly took the lead late, but Guzan came up big to preserve the draw. In the 77th minute, Mukhtar was played in by Andy Najar for a close-range opportunity, only for Guzan to rush off his line and deny the attempt. Moments later, Najar connected with Jonathan Perez, whose low drive from eight yards out was met with a quick-reacting kick save from Guzan.

Both teams pushed for a winner in stoppage time. Nashville’s Sam Surridge sent a long-range shot on target in the 93rd minute, but Guzan was well-positioned to make the save. On the final play of the game, Pedro Amador had a chance from the top of the box, but his shot sailed over the bar, signaling the final whistle.

With the draw, Atlanta United (2-5-4, 10 points) will look to build momentum when it travels to face the Chicago Fire on Saturday, May 10 at Soldier Field. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET.