Atlanta United FC stretched their unbeaten streak to eight games, as they defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1 at Toyota Park on Saturday.
Continuing a trend, the game was close throughout, but Atlanta had more difference-makers than their opponents, and on this occasion it took two moments of magic to seal the win against a game Chicago side.
Atlanta United defender Franco Escobar cleaned up a Nemanja Nikolic chance off the goal line in the opening minutes. But the dam opened in the second half, as Atlanta United's attack got into gear. First, Ezequiel Barco opened his MLS account in the 53rd minute, and Josef Martinez got on the scoresheet four minutes later.
But the Fire didn't give up, as defender Kevin Ellis tallied his first goal for the side with an impressive lob just after the hour mark. Despite that, Chicago couldn't get a second late comeback draw in as many weeks.
Goals
- 53' – ATL – Ezequiel Barco | WATCH
- 57' – ATL – Josef Martinez | WATCH
- 61' – CHI – Kevin Ellis | WATCH
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: The winning goal looked like it might get called back at first, but
Darlington Nagbe's
run through Chicago's defense was so smooth it left the Fire backline flat-footed, and a deft pass to Martinez led to an easy goal.
Next Up
- Chicago: Wednesday, May 9 vs. Montreal Impact (8:30 pm ET | TVAS in Canada; Full TV & Streaming Info)
- Atlanta: Wednesday, May 9 vs. Sporting KC (7:30 pm ET | ESPN - Full TV & Streaming Info)