- Atlanta’s Collen Named AP Coach Of The Year - August 21, 2018
- Tiffany Hayes Signs Multi-Year Extension with Atlanta Dream - August 7, 2018
- Tiffany Hayes Named Player Of The Week For Second Time This Season - July 23, 2018
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 21, 2017) — Atlanta United defeated Orlando City SC 1-0 Friday night in front of 25,527 fans at Orlando City Stadium. The heroics came from Tito Villalba in the 86th minute, as the Argentine winger took a throw-in from Greg Garza, took two dribbles, then sent a rocket from roughly 30 yards out into the top right corner to break the scoreless tie. Brad Guzan, making his club debut, made five saves to keep the clean sheet, helping Atlanta win its fourth-straight match.
Atlanta controlled possession for much of the first 20 minutes, but was unable to find enough space in the final third. Arguably its best chance came in the 23rd minute as Yamil Asad forced Joe Bendik to make a save, but the club settled for three shots on target in the first half. Meanwhile, Guzan made two monster saves to keep the game scoreless, including one off a free kick in the 39th minute that came off the head of Jonathan Spector.
After halftime, Guzan once again stopped a headed effort from Spector off of a free kick, this time in the 63rd minute. The teams traded minor opportunities from there on out until Villalba’s screamer won it.
Atlanta United (10-7-3, 33 points) returns to MLS action on Saturday, July 29 against Orlando City SC. Kickoff from Bobby Dodd Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be televised on FS1.
LINE SCORE
Atlanta United 1, Orlando City SC 0
Orlando City Stadium
Orlando, Florida
STATS
Shots: 14-8 Orlando
Shots on Target: 6-5 Atlanta
Corner kicks: 6-2 Orlando
Fouls committed: 15-8 Atlanta
Saves: 5-5
Clearances: 24-12 Atlanta
Offside: 4-0 Atlanta
Possession: 55-45 Atlanta
Passing Accuracy: 81-75 Atlanta
MATCH RESOURCES
Full Box Score
Quote Sheet
Post-match video: Brad Guzan
Match photos
SCORING SUMMARY
ATL – Tito Villalba (Greg Garza) 86’ [HIGHLIGHT]
DISCLIPINARY SUMMARY
ORL – Kaka (yellow) 6’
ATL – Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (yellow) 38’
ORL – Will Johnson (yellow) 60’
ATL – Julian Gressel (yellow) 67’
ATL – Michael Parkhurst (yellow) 80’
ATLANTA UNITED STARTING LINEUP
Brad Guzan; Greg Garza, Leandro Gonazlez Pirez, Michael Parkhurst ©, Anton Walkes; Jeff Larentowicz, Carlos Carmona; Yamil Asad (Chris McCann – 78’), Miguel Almiron, Julian Gressel (Brandon Vazquez – 66); Tito Villalba (Mikey Ambrose – 89’).
Substitutes not used: Kyle Reynish, Tyrone Mears, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Andrew Carleton.
ORLANDO CITY SC STARTING LINEUP
Joe Bendik; Donny Toia, Jonathan Spector, Jose Aja, Scott Sutter; Kaka ©, Antonio Nocerino (Richie Laryea – 89’), Cristian Higuita (Luis Gil – 90’), Will Johnson; Carlos Rivas, Giles Barnes (Cyle Larin – 72’).
Substitutes not used: Josh Saunders, Leo Pereira, Tommy Redding, Servando Carrasco.
ATTENDANCE
25,527
OFFICIALS
Jose Carlos Rivero (referee), Jeffrey Greeson (assistant), Brian Poechel (assistant), Baboucarr Jallow (fourth).
TEAM NOTES
Brad Guzan made his club debut for Atlanta United. It was his 80th career MLS appearance and 79th start.
Jeff Larentowicz made his 325th career MLS start, which currently ranks No. 9 all-time in league history among field players.
Larentowicz also made his 343rd all-time appearance, which is currently tied for No. 11 all-time in league history among field players.
Tito Villalba scored his ninth goal of the season, tying him for the club lead (with Josef Martinez) and ninth place in all of MLS.
Greg Garza picked up his third assist of the season, which ranks fourth among MLS defenders. Joevin Jones leads the league with six.
With the win, Atlanta moved into fourth place in the Supporters’ Shield standings.
