Atlanta United earned their first away win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Nashville SC. The match was decided by a header from Ronald Hernández in the first half and strong goalkeeping from Jayden Hibbert.
Nashville started aggressively, creating two early chances within three minutes. Atlanta responded by trying to control possession, but Nashville’s pressing made it difficult. In the 13th minute, Miguel Almirón and Alexey Miranchuk combined for a shot that narrowly missed the target. This opportunity helped Atlanta gain momentum.
In the 18th minute, Almirón sent an aerial pass to Miranchuk, who headed it toward Jamal Thiaré, but Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis intercepted. Atlanta continued to push forward and won a free kick after Alex Muyl fouled Almirón. Steven Alzate delivered the set piece into the box, where Hernández scored with a header in the 24th minute. It was Hernández’s second career MLS goal and his first since July 2021, while Alzate recorded his first assist for Atlanta United.
As halftime approached, Nashville pressed for an equalizer. A corner kick led to Josh Bauer heading the ball toward Sam Surridge, who appeared to score with his hand. After a VAR review, the goal was disallowed. Nashville created more chances through Hany Mukhtar and Andy Najar, but Hibbert and Hernández kept them out. Before halftime, Thiaré had another attempt saved by Willis.
In the second half, Surridge found space and forced Hibbert into making a fingertip save that pushed the ball onto the crossbar in the 51st minute. Atlanta made substitutions as Tristan Muyumba replaced Alzate and Saba Lobjanidze came on for Luke Brennan. In the 65th minute, Jacob Shaffelburg crossed to Mukhtar in front of goal, but Hibbert made another key save. Hibbert stopped Mukhtar again just a minute later.
Juan Berrocal entered for Stian Gregersen in the 72nd minute as Hibbert continued to make crucial saves against Nashville’s persistent attacks. In the final minutes, coach Ronny Deila substituted Brooks Lennon for Almirón and Cayman Togashi for Thiaré to manage yellow card risks. Atlanta’s defense held off Nashville’s last efforts to secure all three points.
Atlanta United will return home on September 13 to face Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“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.”
