Atlanta United maintained their winning ways in preseason, following up a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls with a 4-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday afternoon at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
The Five Stripes had their stars on full display, as Pity Martinez registered a brace and Josef Martinez also found the back of the net. Newly-acquired winger Jake Mulraney also forced an own goal with his cross being turned in by Aurelien Collin.
Frank de Boer fielded what appeared to be a full-strength lineup, with Emerson Hyndman, Ezequiel Barco and Eric Remedi all featuring from the start, along with newcomers Brooks Lennon, Fernando Meza and Mulraney.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia head coach Jim Curtin deployed a mix of youth and experience during the club’s first preseason match, including featuring four Homegrown players. They were held scoreless in what amounted to a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinal in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Atlanta threatened the Union’s backline early and often, going up 2-0 inside five minutes via Josef Martinez’s opener and the own goal, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Doug Roberson. Pity Martinez then rounded out the scoring before being subbed off in the second half.
Concacaf Champions League play is on Atlanta’s mind, as they’ll kick matters off Feb. 18 (10 pm ET) at Motagua. As for Philadelphia, this was their first of seven preseason games ahead of their Feb. 29 MLS opener at FC Dallas.
Goals
- Atlanta: Pity Martinez (x2), Josef Martinez, own goal
- Philadelphia: None
Lineups
Atlanta starting XI: Brad Guzan, Franco Escoba, Miles Robinson, Fernando Meza, Jake Mulraney, Brooks Lennon, Eric Remidi, Emerson, Hyndman, Ezequiel Barco, Pity Martinez, Josef Martinez.
Philadelphia starting XI: Andre Blake; Matt Real, Aurelien Collin, Cole Turner, Olivier Mbaizo; Warren Creavalle, Alejandro Bedoya, Jack de Vries, Anthony Fontana; Ilsinho, Sergio Santos
Philadelphia second half XI: Joe Bendik; Real, Jamoi Topey, Turner, Mbaizo; Vries, Trialist, Jose Andres Martinez, Fontana, Issa Rayyan; Kacper Przybylko
*= signed player for Philadelphia Union II.
