ATLANTA — Atlanta United defeated Philadelphia Union 2-0 Sunday afternoon before a crowd of 43,527 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta netted a goal in each half in a decisive, clean-sheet victory as Thiago Almada scored his eighth goal of the season while Brooks Lennon iced the match late in the second half with his second goal of the year. It was the club's fifth shutout of the season.
Atlanta United jumped out to an early lead through another brilliant strike from distance by Almada in the seventh minute. The sequence began with Almada playing a long ball behind Philadelphia's defense and Giorgos Giakoumakis nearly getting on the end of it, but he was brought down by Nathan Harriel. Referee Ted Unkel initially pointed to the spot for a penalty, but after going to video review the foul on Giakoumakis was judged to have occurred just outside of the box. Almada took the ensuing free kick and his initial attempt struck the wall and bounced directly back to him. The Argentine then drilled a one-time shot that soared into the right side of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Joe Bendik flat-footed for his eighth goal of the season.
Atlanta nearly doubled its lead in the 23rd minute. Franco Ibarra sprayed a long ball down right side for Lennon who sent a low cross to Giakoumakis near the penalty spot, but his one-time shot was hit right at Bendik. Giakoumakis later was forced to leave the match in the 30th minute with an injury.
Miguel Berry replaced the Greek forward and almost found the back of the net in the 41st minute. Machop Chol delivered a cross from the right side to Almada at the top of the box, but his heavy touch bounced to Berry who had his attempt on goal saved by Bendik.
Philadelphia pushed for an equalizer and was able to generate more shots in the second half, but it never produced a shot on goal in the second 45. Atlanta was steady in defense and eventually added to its lead in the 79th minute.
Almada drove the ball forward down the left side and played Caleb Wiley into the box towards the end line. The Homegrown back heeled it to Berry, who quickly recycled it to Almada at the top of the box. Almada took one touch before finding Lennon unmarked on the right side of the box where he settled the ball and blasted a low shot towards the near post, bouncing off Bendik on its way into goal.
Atlanta United (9-5-8, 32 points) returns to action when it travels to face CF Montreal Saturday, July 8 at Stade Saputo.
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