Atlanta United maintained their clean-sheet run for the eighth time this season with a 4-0 bashing over 10-men La Galaxy at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. All four goals came in the first half. The hosts scored three goals in seven minutes, including a brace from Yamil Asad. Later on, things got worst for LA Galaxy in the thirty-ninth minute when Jermaine Jones was given a straight red card for violent conduct. Just a few minutes to the end of first half, Miguel Almiron increased the tally to 4-0. Afterward, Gerardo Martino's side settled into a controlled possession game in the second forty-five minutes and held on to the scoreline at full-time.
The victory means Atlanta United is fourth with forty-six points, while LA Galaxy is tenth in the Western Conference with twenty-ninth points. Here's the match report in detail.
Atlanta United outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Brad Guzan (6.59). Defender - Anton Walkes (seven points), Leandro González Pirez (7.77), Michael Parkhurst (seven points), Chris McCann (7.68). Midfielder - Carlos Carmona (7.10), Jeff Larentowicz (7.11), Héctor Villalba (7.20), Miguel Almirón (7.55), Yamil Asad (10.00). Forward - Josef Martínez (7.69). Used substitutes - Brandon Vázquez (five points), Jacob Peterson (six points), Tyrone Mears (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Atlanta United often stole the ball from Galaxy players and went on to create several goal-bound chances from long range shots, individual efforts, through balls and counter attacks.
Overall, they were strong at scoring. In their weaknesses, Gerardo Martino's men were aggressive in their tackles and committed several fouls within their half.
Style of play: Atlanta United gained total dominance and largely launched attacks through the middle. Also, they favored short passes and through balls.
LA Galaxy outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Jon Kempin (five points). Defender - Rafael García (5.54), Michael Ciani (six points), Dave Romney (5.80), Ashley Cole (5.88). Midfielder - Jonathan dos Santos (5.05), Jermaine Jones (5.04), Romain Alessandrini (5.38), Giovani dos Santos (5.68), Emmanuel Boateng (5.76).
Forward - Gyasi Zardes (5.72). Used substitutes - Ariel Lassiter (six points), Joao Pedro (6.10), Bradford Jamieson (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Siegfried Schmid's men created goalscoring chances from long range strikes but were apparently weak at finishing. They were aggressive in tackling, gave away lots of free kicks around their half and committed a high number of individual errors.
Style of play: LA Galaxy favored through balls and long thrusts.
Man of the Match
Yamil Asad was instrumental in Atlanta's home win over Galaxy. Asad was everywhere on the field and in the process he scored twice and provided two assists. Overall, Asad completed seventy-nine touches.
Both teams' upcoming fixtures
LA Galaxy will be on the road once again to face Sporting Kansas City on September 23. The same day, Atlanta United will welcome Montreal Impact.
