Minnesota United FC 0, Atlanta United FC 1 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Alicia Rodriguez

Atlanta United FC did not play in the snow against Minnesota United FC this time around, but a game marked by frigid temperatures ended in a 1-0 win for the 10-man Five Stripes on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.

A year ago, the first meeting between these clubs led to a blowout win in the snow for Atlanta, but despite playing a far closer game on this occasion, the result was the same.

The scoring occurred in the third minute, as an Atlanta corner kick bounced around in Minnesota's box, with a couple chances threatening on goal, before one bounced off Loons defender Francisco Calvo and trickled in for an own goal.

But Atlanta went down to 10 men shortly before halftime, as defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, who picked up a yellow card in the very first minute, got his second of the match in the 38th minute and was given his marching orders. Despite holding the majority of possession in the second half and a handful of good chances on goal, the Loons could not find a way to tie up the game and go for a result.

Goals

3' – ATL – Francisco Calvo (OG) | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: It was quite possibly Atlanta United's ugliest win ever, but it was a win nonetheless. Injuries to Michael Parkhurst, Jeff Larentowicz and Greg Garza do have to be concerning moving forward. Minnesota have to be disappointed, after controlling possession but failing to get the ball in the back of the net, despite playing more than half the game up a man.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Given Atlanta's free-scoring ways, many probably would not have figured they would be held to a single goal, but the early own goal was all it took for the visitors to escape the frigid Twin Cities with three points.

Calvo own goal. Atlanta takes a 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/FJ4w5LVvRs
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) April 1, 2018

MAN OF THE MATCH: Parkhurst was immense for Atlanta to hold on for the win in difficult conditions. Even after being an injury risk after a second-half collision, he was deemed fit to continue and helped keep Minnesota out of goal and frustrated on the night.