Atlanta United is back next Saturday, September 13 when they host Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m. | Buy tickets here)
Atlanta United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nashville SC, earning their first away win of the season. The victory, a much-needed result for the 5-Stripes, was thanks to a first-half header from Ronald Hernández and a stellar performance by goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert. Nashville came out of the gate strong, creating several early chances, but Atlanta found its footing and took the lead through Hernández's perfectly placed header from a set piece in the 22nd minute. Despite Nashville's relentless pressure and numerous attempts to equalize, including a disallowed goal and several near misses, Atlanta's defense, anchored by Hibbert, held firm. The win came down to a combination of clinical finishing on one end and incredible goalkeeping on the other, allowing Atlanta to walk away with a crucial three points on the road and a renewed sense of confidence.
Atlanta Withstands Early Attacks, Finds a Breakthrough
Nashville started the match on the front foot, immediately testing Atlanta's defense.
In less than three minutes, the home side had already created two promising chances. Atlanta United attempted to counter by controlling possession in the midfield, but Nashville's high press made it difficult.
Despite the pressure, the 5-Stripes carved out their first clear opportunity in the 13th minute. Miguel Almirón combined with Alexey Miranchuk, who took a step to his left and unleashed a long-range shot that narrowly missed the right post. This close call seemed to ignite Atlanta, who began to find more space in the final third.
Five minutes later, Almirón sent a beautiful aerial through-ball for Miranchuk, who headed it on toward Jamal Thiaré. The Senegale striker went for the header, but Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis was quick to intercept the ball in the air.
Atlanta's persistence was rewarded in the 24th minute.
A foul on Almirón by Alex Muyl two minutes before gave the 5-Stripes a free kick three thirds from the box. Making his first start for the club, Steven Alzate stood over the ball alongside Miranchuk.
The English-Colombian midfielder delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the center of the box, which Ronald Hernández met with a powerful header to open the scoring. It was Hernández's second career MLS goal and his first since July 21, 2021. The assist also marked Alzate's first with Atlanta United.
As the first half drew to a close, Nashville desperately sought an equalizer. A corner kick saw Josh Bauer head the ball toward Sam Surridge, who appeared to score with his hand. A quick VAR review correctly disallowed the goal.
Nashville continued to threaten, with Hany Mukhtar and Andy Najar creating opportunities, but their efforts were thwarted by the defensive work of Jayden Hibbert and Hernández. Atlanta also had one more chance before the break when Thiaré's shot from inside the box was saved by Willis.
Hibbert's Heroics Preserve a Gritty Win
In the 51st minute, Sam Surridge found himself completely unmarked in Atlanta's half. He drove toward the box and unleashed a right-footed shot that was tipped onto the crossbar by a precise, minimal touch from goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert, giving Atlanta another lifeline.
Ten minutes later, Atlanta made a double substitution, with Tristan Muyumba replacing Alzate in the midfield and Saba Lobjanidze coming on for Luke Brennan. Nashville continued to press, creating an extremely clear chance in the 65th minute. Jacob Shaffelburg's cross from the right wing found Hany Mukhtar in front of goal, but Hibbert made a breathtaking save, dropping to his knees with an impressive reaction to deny the shot. The clean sheet remained intact a minute later when Hibbert once again foiled Mukhtar, who was searching for an opening inside Atlanta's box.
Juan Berrocal was subbed in for Stian Gregersen in the 72nd minute, and Hibbert continued his stellar performance, making two more crucial saves to preserve Atlanta's lead despite Nashville's relentless attacks. In the final four minutes, coach Ronny Deila brought on Brooks Lennon for Almirón and Cayman Togashi for Thiaré, substituting both players who had received yellow cards to avoid any risks. Atlanta's defense held firm in the closing minutes, successfully fending off Nashville's final push to secure the result.
Atlanta United's next match is in two weeks when they host Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Sat., September 13 | 7:30 p.m. | View Tickets).
