Atlanta United FC lost 2-0 to San Jose Earthquakes in a Major League Soccer match on Saturday. The match, which has often produced dramatic encounters, was less eventful this time as Atlanta United struggled to control play.
San Jose pressed aggressively from the start, nearly earning a penalty in the opening minute after Enea Mihaj’s tackle inside the box. The Earthquakes created several chances early, recording four shots on goal within the first ten minutes and putting Atlanta under pressure for much of the opening 20 minutes.
In the 24th minute, San Jose capitalized on an intercepted back pass. Preston Judd finished a cross with a lobbed header that bounced into the bottom right corner to give San Jose a 1-0 lead.
By halftime, Atlanta United held a slight edge in possession at 50.7%, but had only managed three shots and one on target. Coach Tata Martino made adjustments during the break to improve his team’s attacking efforts.
Early in the second half, San Jose continued to threaten. Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos made a one-on-one save against Beau Leroux in the 59th minute. Martino introduced Alexey Miranchuk and Tristan Muyumba at the hour mark and brought Pedro Amador into midfield ten minutes later as Atlanta committed more players forward.
San Jose thought they had scored again in the 70th minute, but an offside call nullified their effort. Nine minutes later, substitute Timo Werner set up Ousseni Bouda for San Jose’s second goal of the night.
Atlanta United increased their attacking efforts late but could not convert their opportunities, finishing with eight shots but just one on target.
Tomás Jacob stood out for Atlanta United by winning all eight duels he contested in the first half. He became only the second player in club history to win eight or more duels in a half and has now won 20 duels this season—the second most through two matches for Atlanta United.
Pedro Amador made his season debut with a substitute appearance lasting twenty minutes.
Atlanta United FC is based in Atlanta, Georgia and competes as part of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference official website. The club won major trophies including MLS Cup (2018), U.S. Open Cup (2019), and Campeones Cup (2019) official website.
The team will next play its home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Real Salt Lake.
