Match recap: Atlanta United drops points in chaotic match against Chicago

All over the place. Atlanta United's match against Chicago Fire Saturday night was purely all over the place. Chances hit the post, tackles flew, crosses sprayed — it was a frenetic affair that ended just 1-0 in favor of the hosts. The 5-Stripes conceded early and didn't have the finishing touch despite an improvement in chance creation on the night.  

What happened: Atlanta United took charge of the momentum in the early going, prioritizing direct passes and making eager runs forward. But it was Chicago who jumped out to a 1-0 advantage in the 13th minute. Maren Haile-Selassie finished off a smooth passing sequence in the middle of the box, as the 5-Stripes got caught out in a transition moment. 

Tomás Jacob nearly leveled the match just a minute later, getting his head on the end of a Matías Galarza cross, but his effort hit the woodwork. Two minutes later, he got another headed chance in the chaos after an Atlanta United corner, but the chance was cleared off the line. 

The 5-Stripes kept pressing and creating, as Miguel Almirón and others slipped in behind. They earned a staggering 6 corner kicks in the first 18 minutes of the match but couldn't find the chance to capitalize. 

In the 30th minute, Emmanuel Latte Lath found himself with clear space in front of goal, but the cross from Elías Báez was slightly high and behind the forward. He made an acrobatic effort to get a foot on it, but the shot went wide. 

The match kept up its wild pace in the 38th minute, as a corner routine from Chicago resulted in a header at the back stick that hit the post. The ensuing corner was sent into a dangerous area, and Chicago got a point-blank look at goal that hit the crossbar and flew away. Atlanta felt lucky to get away without their deficit increasing, and the rest of the first half was only slightly calmer. 

At the halfway point, the two sides had combined for 2.6 expected goals. The post was hit three times — tied for the most in any half of regular season soccer in Atlanta United history — and yet the score was still just 1-0 Chicago. 

The start of the second half was no different from the first. End to end attacks resulted in only half chances for both sides, though. 

Head coach Tata Martino was suspended for the match, meaning assistant coach Jorge Theiler assumed the lead role for the match. The Argentinian went to his bench in the 66th minute to bring on Steven Alzate. 

Another corner kick gave Atlanta United their best chance of the second half in the 67th minute. Báez found the ball just inside the 18-yard box and fired off a shot that looked like it would sneak past Chris Brady in goal if not for Andrew Gutman clearing it away. 

Cayman Togashi, Luke Brennan and Pedro Amador entered the match in the 77th minute as the 5-Stripes chased an equalizer. Chicago nearly doubled their advantage on a breakaway in the 82nd minute, but Lucas Hoyos made a timely stop. 

As the minutes wound down, the 5-Stripes mounted pressure, but the final whistle came without a response from the visitors.

Standouts:

• Matías Galarza had a seamless return to the starting lineup. The midfielder led both teams at half with 6 duels won, 3 tackles won and 2 chances created in an all-around effort. By the end of the match, he created a team-high 4 chances and had a match-high 30 passes in the attacking third.

Milestones:

• Miguel Almirón made his 100th appearance for Atlanta United in all competitions, becoming the sixth player in club history to reach the century mark.

Next up: Atlanta United stays on the road, but this time much closer to home. The 5-Stripes will square off against Chattanooga FC in their Round of 32 U.S. Open Cup fixture Wednesday, April 15. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET.