Atlanta United stared down a tough opponent in the visiting Philadelphia Union.
The Stripes (8-8-5) scored twice in the home game: in the seventh minute with a strike by Thiago Almada and a close-to-the-end goal by Brooks Lennon in the 79th minute. Brad Guzan kept the Union away from the nets, leading to Atlanta’s 2-0 win.
Although the Union held the ball 51% of the time and took more shots (15 over Atlanta’s 14), it was the Stripes that made the most of their shots.
The Union was not an easy team to beat. They won 3 of their last 5 games (against Charlotte, Montreal, and Miami), and tied with Orlando. Their only loss before they came to Mercedes Benz Stadium Saturday was against San Jose.
Atlanta United’s next game is against Montreal at 7:30 pm Saturday at Saputo Stadium. Google gives the Stripes a 33% chance of winning and a 26% chance of a draw.