Atlanta United FCvsMinnesota United FC
ATL 2/MIN 1
Things to say
Atlanta United beat Minnesota United 2-1 at Allianz Field.
01
opener
Atlanta went into Allianz and nicked it, 2-1. Minnesota threw a lot at them but couldn't get the equalizer. Road win for a team that badly needed one.
02
key player
Almirón was the difference for Atlanta. Only two shots but he made them count, and he was pulling the strings all night.
03
hot take
Minnesota outshot them and still lost. That's a soft home performance, and their playoff push can't afford nights like that.
04
deep cut
Stian Gregersen had 16 defensive interventions in the back for Atlanta. That's the unglamorous shift that actually won them the game.
05
exit
Long road back for Minnesota now. Let's see if they respond next week.
The recap
Atlanta went into Allianz Field and nicked all three points, edging Minnesota 2-1 on the road. The Loons actually pushed the play, with Anthony Markanich firing off five shots, but they couldn't make it count when it mattered.
Miguel Almirón was busy up top and Stian Gregersen was a wall at the back, throwing himself into 16 defensive interventions to protect the lead. Minnesota will feel hard done by, but Atlanta grinded out a scrappy win and grabbed some rare points on their travels.