Atlanta United and D.C. United played to a 1-1 draw in Atlanta on Saturday, marking the end of Brad Guzan’s professional soccer career. Guzan, who has been with Atlanta United since its inaugural season, delivered a strong performance in his final match.
Miguel Almirón opened the scoring for Atlanta United early in the game. After earning a corner kick, Bartosz Slisz sent in a cross that found Almirón at the top of the box. Almirón scored with a half-volley into the bottom right corner just three minutes into play.
Atlanta maintained pressure throughout the first half, with Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alexey Miranchuk creating additional chances. Almirón appeared to score again from a free kick but was ruled offside. Guzan made key saves during this period, including parrying away a close-range header and making a diving stop against Christian Benteke.
D.C. United increased their attacking efforts after halftime. Ronald Hernández took a long shot for Atlanta early in the second half but missed wide left. Both teams showed caution as they sought to avoid conceding on counterattacks.
Guzan stopped another effort from Benteke in the 67th minute, but Gabriel Pirano converted on the rebound to level the match at 1-1.
Head coach Ronny Deila responded by making substitutions aimed at finding a winning goal, bringing on Jamal Thiaré and Saba Lobjanidze. Steven Alzate forced D.C.’s goalkeeper Jordan Farr into an athletic save late in the match, while Saba nearly scored following an individual move; however, his attempt was cleared off the line by D.C.’s defense.
The match ended tied after both teams had opportunities late on.
Brad Guzan concluded his career with his 552nd professional appearance over two decades. “It’s not just because it was his last game — Brad Guzan was class Saturday night,” said an official statement from Atlanta United FC staff. “He made clutch saves to keep Atlanta United ahead, just as he’s done his entire career.”
Miguel Almirón reached his 100th start for Atlanta United across all competitions and recorded his sixth goal of this MLS regular season.
With this result, Atlanta closes out its 2025 campaign and will await details about next year’s schedule.
