ATL Standard

Atlanta United sought to secure a crucial three points at home against Houston Dynamo FC. Prior to this match, the two clubs had met only three times, each resulting in a decisive victory for one team. This encounter ended differently, with Atlanta United settling for a 2-2 draw after maintaining a 2-1 lead for over 30 minutes in the second half.

The match started unfavorably for Atlanta as Houston scored within five minutes. Griffin Dorsey’s initial shot hit the crossbar, and seconds later, Franco Escobar headed the ball into the net, giving Houston an early lead against his former club.

"The positive I saw was also a negative," said interim head coach Rob Valentino at the post-match press conference. "I told them before the game, when we are in moments like this, you have two options: stand up and fight or give up. The second is not really one for me. So, they stood up and got themselves back in the game - back in the lead. That is the positive I will take from it. We will look at the little intricacies of how we can get better."

The situation worsened for Atlanta as Edwin Mosquera left the match due to injury in the 18th minute of the first half; homegrown player Luke Brennan substituted in. This marked Brennan's second appearance in MLS play this season.

"It is a next man up mentality," said Brennan after the match. "I always have to be ready. I was happy to get in and take my opportunity."

Brennan’s presence appeared to invigorate Atlanta United. After two significant saves from keeper Brad Guzan, Daniel Ríos equalized with a goal following a one-on-one battle with Micael dos Santos before shooting just outside the center of the box in the 25th minute.

The remainder of the first half saw opportunities from both sides; Atlanta's counter pressure recovered from Houston's initial dominance while Houston managed to block Atlanta’s right side effectively. The game became more physical as time wound down in the first half, resulting in yellow cards for both Escobar and Coco Carrasquilla.

In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Sebastian Kowalczyk's shot went just above Atlanta’s net, leaving both teams tied at 1-1.

"I took advantage of a mistake made by the defender," said Ríos after the match. "A pretty nice play between me, Luke (Brennan), and Thiago (Almada). Got a bit lucky there with a nice rebound. I think we set the energy for the team with that goal."

Starting strong into the second half, Atlanta quickly took control with Ibrahim Aliyu receiving a yellow card before Almada took a corner kick that Derrick Williams nearly converted. In the 55th minute, Xande Silva scored by placing the ball into Houston’s top right corner.

As physicality increased on both sides, Brennan continued to challenge Houston's defense with his speed and playmaking abilities. Despite efforts to extend their lead further through defensive plays by Caleb Wiley and Williams, Jamal Thiaré replaced Ríos while Tate Schmitt and Sebastian Ferreira substituted Erik Sviatchenko and Kowalczyk respectively around minute 76.

Guzan made another critical save on Latif Blessing's header attempt but could not prevent Blessing from scoring an equalizer in regulation time’s dying minutes.

"It was frustrating as hell," said Williams about conceding late on." Because other than those two (goals), I don't think they (Houston) had many chances...We just need to be better."

Despite seven additional minutes of stoppage time allowing attempts by Atlanta United to regain their lead—none materialized—leaving them winless over seven home matches now.

"I thought we had much more fight today," noted Williams." I thought our midfielders were very good; wingers excellent...Hopefully we can grow on this."

UP NEXT - Another double matchweek

Atlanta United will travel for consecutive matches: facing D.C United on Wednesday June 19th at Audi Field followed by St Louis City SC at CITYPARK Stadium on Saturday June 22nd.