For the first time since May 28th, Atlanta United has won a league match, courtesy of a 1-0 smash and grab on the road at local (in MLS terms) rivals Nashville SC.
Despite a commanding lead in every major statistical category for the host Coyotes, Atlanta United’s defense remained resolute, and ensured that a 24th minute Ronald Hernández set piece goal would be the difference.
The win lifts Atlanta to 26 points, and up into 12th, ensuring some distance between them and the bottom of the conference. For Nashville, it drops the Coyotes back to 4th by way of tiebreaker with Charlotte, which still likely becomes 5th once Inter Miami finally plays their three games in hand.
Nashville Lineup
Joe Willis, as ever, started in goal behind a back four of Andy Najar, Walker Zimmerman, Jeisson Palacios and Josh Bauer.
An altered midfield duo of Patrick Yazbek and Gastón Brugman anchored the middle, while an unchanged front four of Jacob Shaffelburg, Alex Muyl, Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge looked to provide the attack.
Head coach BJ Callaghan was forced into one early change as Jonathan Pérez came on for an injured Muyl, while appearances were also given to a returning Tyler Boyd, Dan Lovitz, Teal Bunbury and Eddi Tagseth.
Atlanta Lineup
In goal, Jayden Hibbert was given a second consecutive start, behind a back four of Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Pedro Amador and Ronald Hernández.
A midfield pair of Bartosz Slisz and Steven Alzate held it down in the center, supporting an attacking group of Miguel Almiron, Alexey Miranchuk, Luke Brennan and Jamal Thiaré.
Off the bench, head coach Ronny Deila relied on the services of Tristan Muyumba, Saba Lobjanidze, Juan Berrocal, Brooks Lennon and Cayman Togashi.
The Numbers
Nashville SC
Shots: 21
Shots on goal: 7
Possession: 55.6%
Corners: 12
Yellow Cards: 2 (Jeisson Palacios, Andy Najar)
xG: 1.9
Atlanta United
Shots: 9
Shots on goal: 4
Possession: 44.4%
Corners: 1
Yellow Cards: 7 (Jamal Thiaré, Ronald Hernández, Jayden Hibbert, Miguel Almiron, Pedro Amador, Bartosz Slisz, Alexey Miranchuk)
xG: 0.7
Analysis
Let’s start with the winners.
For Atlanta, not much changes for this season. It keeps the bottom of the conference at arms length, basically ensures the Five Stripes aren’t going to to win the Wooden Spoon, and doesn’t make it any likelier they make the playoffs.
Ronny Deila is under a lot of pressure, and maybe this temporarily relieves some of it, but probably not much if we’re honest.
That being said, a win over a regional rival always feels good, and Atlanta fans should celebrate this, especially considering how little there has been to celebrate this season.
Now for the losers.
Just a game Nashville couldn’t afford to lose. Inefficient finishing yet again catches up to this team against lesser opposition. They’ve gotten away with it at times too, for sure, but this one really stings.
Charlotte has been rocketing back up the table, and now they likely hold the last spot in the top four. This week off for Nashville (kinda, not counting the Space Cowboy Match) needs to be one of reflection, as the Coyotes have lost three of their last four.
For Atlanta, next up they have a home date with the Columbus Crew, while Nashville gets set to take to the road and visit Cincinnati. Both of these games are on September 13th. We’ll see you then!