The next time Atlanta United take the field, the stakes will be real.
The Five Stripes wrapped up their 2020 preseason in the altitude of the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, where they tied Mexican second-division side Leones Negros 0-0 with the starters going deep into the 90-minute match. The home team claimed the ensuing penalty-kick shootout 3-1 after Atlanta saw three straight penalty kicks stopped by the opposing 'keeper.
There were heavy legs and some uncharacteristic giveaways by Atlanta United, who saw star center back Miles Robinson leave the match injured in the 23rd minute after stepping awkwardly in an an attempt to block a shot in the box.
Atlanta fans will hope that Robinson will be back next Tuesday, February 18 when Atlanta face Honduran side Motagua on the road in the first leg of a Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 series (10 pm ET on FOX Soccer Plus & TUDNxtra1).
Teenage Homegrown product George Campbell came in for Robinson, slotting in at left wingback and left back after Atlanta United shifted from a five-man back line to a four-man line in the second half. The other notable lineup decision by head coach Frank de Boer: Anton Walkes started at left wingback and then moved to right center back later in the second half.
Goals:
- None
PK Shootout:
- UDG (3): Hernandez (goal), Ceballos (saved), Duran (goal), Valenzuela (goal)
- ATL (1): J. Martinez (goal), Meza (saved), Hyndman (saved), Barco (saved)
Lineup:
Atlanta United (3-5-2, left to right): Brad Guzan -- Fernando Meza, Miles Robinson (24' George Campbell), Franco Escobar -- Anton Walkes, Jeff Larentowicz, Ezequiel Barco, Emerson Hyndman, Brooks Lennon -- Pity Martinez, Josef Martinez
Atlanta United, 60th min (4-4-2, left to right): Brad Guzan -- George Campbell (79' Mo Adams), Fernando Meza, Anton Walkes, Franco Escobar -- Ezequiel Barco, Jeff Larentowicz (71' Eric Remedi), Emerson Hyndman, Brooks Lennon -- Pity Martinez, Josef Martinez
