Atlanta United went into Nashville on Saturday night and walked out with something they hadn’t managed all season: a road victory. Ronald Hernández’s first goal of the year and another stellar performance from rookie goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert lifted the Five Stripes to a 1-0 win at Geodis Park.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute, and it was a beauty. On his first start, Steven Alzate floated in a pinpoint cross, and Hernández rose above his defender to smash a header off the post and in. Just like that, Atlanta had a lead to protect.
Nashville thought they had the equalizer before halftime when Sam Surridge bundled home a ball from close range, but VAR caught the forward’s handball and the goal was wiped away. Hibbert then stepped up big before the break, denying multiple chances and showing poise beyond his years. He now carries a scoreless streak of 202 minutes across his first three MLS starts — all unbeaten — with back-to-back clean sheets.
Atlanta could’ve doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime when Jamal Thiaré forced Joe Willis into a strong save. Later, Saba Lobjanidze nearly iced it in the 76th minute, but Willis again kept Nashville within striking distance.
The hosts made their push late, firing five shots during six frantic minutes of stoppage time, but Hibbert and the Atlanta defense stood firm. The 19-year-old keeper finished with seven saves — several of the highlight-reel variety — to lock up the first away win of the campaign.
With the result, Atlanta improves to 5-12-11 (26 points) and heads back home riding a wave of confidence. Next up is a showdown with Columbus Crew on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
