LAFC vs Atlanta United Highlights
Atlanta United FC defeated LAFC 1-0 on Sunday afternoon with Josef Martinez scoring his fifth goal of the season and third in as many games. Martinez’s goal gave Atlanta its first consecutive wins since the opening two games of the 2020 season. Atlanta moved up one spot to ninth in the Eastern Conference standings with the win.
Martinez now has 82 goals in the MLS since joining Atlanta’s team in 2017, even when missing almost all of 2020 due to an ACL tear that was suffered in the season opener. His past three goals have come under interim head coach Rob Valentino, who took over six games ago after former manager Gabriel Heinze was fired due to an alleged disagreement with Martinez.
Just before halftime, LAFC thought they’d taken the lead when Mamadou Fall met Eduard Atuesta’s in-swinging free kick at the back post and headed it past Brad Guzan from close range, but video review ruled him offside. After the halftime break, Martinez gave Atlanta the lead in just over a minute in. Marcelino Moreno blasted a ball past defender Jesus Murillo and onto Ezequiel Barco’s run down the left. Barco then drove a cross to Martinez who fired a low, first-time finish between the left post and goalkeeper Tomas Romero.
LAFC has now suffered its third straight defeat and sixth consecutive MLS match without a win. The visitors had a potential go-ahead goal disallowed before halftime for offside and led Atlanta 16-9 in total attempts on goal, though they put only three of those on target. LAFC are currently outside of the Western Conference playoff picture, indicating that they need to get their act together. Carlos Vela is well aware of this, and he is eager for his team to achieve success once more.
Watch More LAFC vs Atlanta United Highlights:
LAFC vs Atlanta United Highlights – 7/26/19
LAFC vs Atlanta United Highlights – 3/10/19
