ATLANTA — Atlanta United lost Saturday afternoon 2-0 to Nashville SC. Saturday’s home match marked head coach Gonzalo Pineda’s first match with the club.
The loss snapped Atlanta’s four match win streak.
Atlanta opened the match with an early shout for a penalty. George Bello was taken down on the edge of the 18-yard-box in the sixth minute and referee Rosendo Mendoza called for a spot kick, however video review overturned the call and deemed it a free kick.
Nashville took the lead during first half stoppage time. Daniel Lovitz slipped Daniel Rios into the box where he slotted a low shot past Brad Guzan seconds before the break.
Luiz Araújo put a shot on frame in the 54th minute. After a long run down the right side, Araújo cut the ball on to his favored left foot and attempted to bend it around Joe Willis, but Nashville’s goalkeeper made a diving save to preserve the visitor’s lead.
Atlanta nearly leveled the match in the 93rd minute. Marcelino Moreno sent in a cross from the left side to the center of the box where Josef Martínez rose high for a header, but he placed it just wide of the right post.
Nashville extended its lead in the 95th minute. Randall Leal scored on an open net after Guzan joined the team in the box for a corner kick in the final moments of the match.
Atlanta (6-7-9, 27 points) returns to action Friday, Sept. 10 when it hosts Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
