WASHINGTON, D.C. — Atlanta United lost its first match of the 2019 MLS season 2-0 to D.C. United Sunday on a cold and rainy night at Audi Field.
Paul Arriola scored the game’s opening goal in first-half stoppage time, finding a loose ball in the box after a Wayne Rooney corner and smashing a close-range shot past Brad Guzan. Atlanta’s best effort in the first half came in the 40th minute when Tito Villalba struck a right-footed shot from about 25 yards out that swung just wide of the far post.
Luciano Acosta doubled D.C. United’s lead in the 58th minute, as the Argentine dribbled into space outside Atlanta’s penalty area and a drilled a low shot that skipped off the wet surface and beat Guzan. Atlanta made two substitutions immediately following the goal, bringing on Gonzalo Martínez and Julian Gressel for Tito Villalba and Mikey Ambrose. Jeff Larentowicz later replaced Ezequiel Barco in the 83rd minute.
Atlanta United returns to action Wednesday (10 p.m. EST, Yahoo Sports, Univision Deportes) in the first leg of its Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal tie at C.F. Monterrey.
