ATLANTA — Miguel Almirón scored three goals to lead Atlanta United to a 4-1 win over Houston Dynamo Saturday night at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The match was delayed for approximately 55 minutes due to inclement weather, but the sold-out crowd of 44,893 saw a dazzling offensive display led by Almirón’s hat trick and Julian Gressel’s second goal of the year.
“It is great for us to get the win, but it makes it even better to do it in front of a fan base who deserves it,” Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino said. “It makes me feel better for the fans because they are the ones that come here every game and they fill the stadium.”
Atlanta opened the scoring for the ninth time in 11 games this season, this time with Miguel Almirón blasting a left-footed shot into the top left corner of the net in the 30th minute. Almirón started the play along the right sideline by crossing a ball for Yamil Asad, who fought off a Houston defender to give it back to a streaking Almirón across the middle of the field. After one touch, Almirón was able to play the ball into the penalty area where he ultimately beat Houston goalkeeper Joe Willis.
Just 13 minutes later, Atlanta quickly hit on the counterattack to go up 2-0. Asad started the play by forcing a turnover near midfield. Two passes later, Julian Gressel fought his way toward the end line and sent a cross into the penalty area that Asad ultimately played down and fed Almirón. The Paraguayan midfielder then made two Houston defenders miss and sent a rocket into the top right corner for his second goal.
After halftime, Atlanta added a third goal in the 76th minute from Gressel. Tito Villalba made a sliding tackle to jar a loose ball over to a wide-open Gressel, who easily slotted one to the far post. Atlanta added its fourth just four minutes later, with Almirón finishing his hat trick courtesy of the penalty spot. Adolfo Machado knocked over Villalba from behind inside of the box, denying the Argentine a clean look on net.
In the 86th minute, Atlanta United Homegrown, 16-year-old midfielder, Andrew Carleton made his MLS debut. Carleton was previously with the U.S. U-17 National Team and returned to training
Erick Torres added a goal for Houston in the 90th minute. Jeff Larentowicz was called for a handball inside of the penalty area. Torres beat Alec Kann to the goalkeeper’s left.
Atlanta United returns to action Sunday, May 28, against New York City FC with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m. from Bobby Dodd Stadium. The match will be televised nationally on ESPN.
