NASHVILLE — Atlanta United earned a 2-2 draw against Nashville SC Thursday night at Nissan Stadium.
Anton Walkes scored his second goal of the season while Homegrown Jackson Conway netted his first MLS goal in just his third appearance. Alec Kann also made six saves in his first MLS appearance since May 13, 2018.
Walkes opened the scoring in the fifth minute from an Atlanta free kick. After Marcelino Moreno won the free kick in Nashville’s half, Jake Mulraney delivered a ball into the box where Walkes was able to beat his mark and head the ball just inside the far post. It was Walkes’ second goal of the season and fourth of his Atlanta career, while Mulraney recorded his team-high fourth assist of the season.
Kann made a diving save to deny Hany Mukhtar in the 13th minute, however on the ensuing corner Mukhtar’s cross was headed in by Jalil Anibaba to even the score at 1-1. Early in the second half, Mukhtar put Nashville ahead from the penalty spot in the 49th minute after a handball in the box by Cubo Torres.
However, Atlanta responded in the 59th minute through Conway to make it 2-2. Moreno played in a corner kick from the left side that Conway headed low and just inside the back post.
Atlanta was reduced to 10-men after Mulraney was shown a straight red card by referee Joe Dickerson in the 74th minute for a challenge just outside the box on Randall Leal. Mukhtar stepped up to take the free kick and placed a well-hit effort on frame, but Kann was able to tip over the crossbar to keep the game level.
Atlanta continued to search for the winning goal despite playing down a man. In the 90th minute Brooks Lennon made a run into the right side of the box but had his attempt saved by Joe Willis.
Atlanta (2-3-7, 13 points) returns to action Saturday, July 17 against New England Revolution at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
