Atlanta United made it clear whose house it was Saturday against the visiting Nashville soccer club.
On the debut of its 90’s Atlanta hip-hop culture theme and their new “404” team kits, Atlanta United blanked Nashville 4-0, with goal shots by team vets Thiago Almada (46 minute), Miles Robinson (57′), and newcomers Xande Silva (26′) and Saba Lobzhanidze (87′).
For Silva and Lobzhandize, the night was especially satisfying. Both scored their first career goals that night. Silva connected with a shot from Almada that he steered into the far side of the net. Silva celebrated his first goal with a back flip near a sideline of cheering teammates.
💿 Game Over (Flip) – Lil Flip (2004) pic.twitter.com/o1p6o5MIoj
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 27, 2023
“It’s always good to play in front of these fans in this stadium,” said Silva to ATLUTD.com. “It’s an amazing stadium. I just did my job. My job is to score goals and help the team win. That’s what I did.”
Also doing his part to ensure a Stripes win Saturday night was fellow newcomer Lobzhandize, who scored in the closing minutes of regulated play.
Atlanta dominated most key factors in the game: shots (20-13), shots hitting targets (11-1), possession (52%-48%), and passes (447-412). They even led in something they rather wouldn’t, yellow cards, which they got two of, while Nashville went sanction-free.
The (Spike) is mine ✨
R&B legend and College Park’s own @MonicaDenise is here to hit tonight’s Golden Spike! 🔨 pic.twitter.com/WzjjyjxgXZ
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 26, 2023
Atlanta United’s win was a fitting close to a night that was a celebration of Atlanta culture, with Atlanta-based recording artist Monica hitting the Golden Spike, The Goodie Mob performing live, and Solai Washington, from Duke Women’s Soccer as an honorary team captain.
The team’s current standings add to the celebratory feeling for the Stripes. They rank #6 in the MLS Eastern Conference, leapfroging Nashville. They are currently in great position to make the playoffs and even the Finals. They face Cinncinatti FC this Wendesday for another home game. Google says Atlanta United has a 45% chance of securing another victory.
