ATLANTA — Atlanta United put on a dominant performance Wednesday night in a 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati.
Luiz Araújo, Josef Martínez and Ezequiel Barco all scored while Alan Franco recorded three assists, making him the first player in club history to do so. Martínez’s two goals brought his career MLS regular season goal total to 85 which is the most in a player’s first 100 appearances.
Araújo quickly handed Atlanta the lead in the fifth minute with a brilliant display of speed and skill. Franco delivered a pass to the Brazilian near the center circle in Atlanta’s half where he was quickly enclosed by three Cincinnati defenders. Araújo turned to his left to find space and was met by Ronald Matarrita, but Atlanta’s Designated Player blew by the Cincinnati captain and raced down the right side. Araújo finished the play by squaring his hips towards goal and placing a left-footed shot into the far side of the net for the 1-0 lead. It was Araújo’s first goal for the club while Franco was credited with his first assist.
Atlanta doubled its lead in the 40th minute. From a set piece roughly 40 yards from goal, Araújo lofted a ball into the box on the right side for Franco, who one-timed the ball across goal where Martínez nodded home his seventh goal of the year.
Martínez scored his second of the night less than 10 minutes into the second half. Franco intercepted a pass and immediately played the ball to Barco. The Argentine dribbled through the midfield and sent a through ball to Martínez down the left side. The Venezuelan took a few touches before curling a shot to the far corner, leaving Tyton flat-footed for his eighth goal of the season.
Atlanta polished off its strong performance in the 86th minute with a free kick goal from Barco. It was his sixth goal of the year.
Atlanta (8-7-9, 33 points) returns to action Saturday, Sept. 18 when it hosts D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (3:30 p.m., Univision, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game, La Mejor).
