New England Revolution 0, Atlanta United FC 0 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

Alicia Rodriguez

Atlanta United FC extended their unbeaten run to eight games on Saturday, as they tied the New England Revolution 0-0 at Gillette Stadium.

While Atlanta will likely be satisfied by a road draw with their Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs spot already booked, the Revolution will be disappointed by the result, considering they dominated possession and the run of play but could not find a breakthrough on the night. The Five Stripes appeared content to defend first, although they had a couple counterattacking chances they could not convert.

Goals

None

Three Things

KNOCKING, NOBODY HOME: The Revolution dominated the game overall, and really should have taken three points considering the amount of time they were in Atlanta's half. But even with the 61 percent edge in possession in the match, on home turf, Atlanta's defense was stout and allowed just five shots on target all night. With the draw, New England are still mathematically alive for the MLS Cup Playoffs, but they're hanging by a thread and can't afford to drop any more points if they have any hope of reaching the postseason.
GUZAN IMPRESSES:Brad Guzan hasn't needed to earn his team a result much this season, as Atlanta have run up the score so often that he's had quite a cushion to work with. But this was a game where he was counted on. In addition to making five saves, Guzan was active in his box, claiming balls and stifling chances before shots could be taken. ATL are on short rest with their bottom-heavy schedule, but Guzan pulled his weight to ensure Atlanta can keep chugging along.
RUNNING ON LOW? One concern for Atlanta at this point in the season, with the playoffs already clinched, is the energy level of their key players. Miguel Almiron is rehabbing from a hamstring injury already, and whether Atlanta's lower energy against New England was by design or from players getting tired is unclear. Still, cagey battles like Saturday's will likely be more of the norm in the playoffs, and this game may be a good dress rehearsal for Atlanta before the postseason. We'll just have to see if there will be more squad rotation in the final regular season games to keep legs fresh.