Atlanta United overpowered a resilient Colorado Rapids defense to secure their fourth-straight home win in front of a raucous sold-out crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday night.
The news started with Tata Martino’s lineup, which included Josef Martinez as a lone striker in his first league start since his injury three months ago. Carlos Carmona returned to his starting role after his midweek suspension, and it was a memorable night for Anton Walkes, who made his first league start at right back in place of the rested Tyrone Mears. The full lineup: Alec Kann (GK), Anton Walkes (RB), Michael Parkhurst (CB), Leandro González Pirez (CB), Greg Garza (LB), Jeff Larentowicz (CM), Carlos Carmona (CM), Yamil Asad (LW), Miguel Almirón, Tito Villalba (RW), Josef Martinez (ST)
The first half was a chippy defensive battle, with Atlanta dominating possession with some neat passing through the middle, but unable to break through the deep-lying defensive block of Colorado.