ATL Standard

Atlanta United concluded their double match week on the road by securing four out of a possible six points. Following a 1-0 victory over D.C. United, they came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against St. Louis CITY SC. This encounter marked the first meeting between the two clubs.

Both teams were shorthanded for this match. Atlanta United's Luis Abram, Saba Lobjanidze, and Bartosz Slisz were away on international duty, while Thiago Almada was unavailable due to yellow card accumulation. The team relied on key performances from Daniel Ríos and other players to secure the draw.

"I talk to them a lot about blocking out the noise on the road," said interim head coach Rob Valentino during the post-match press conference. "The only noise that matters is inside our own heads and inside our four walls. That relentlessness will save them a lot in the long run. I am proud that they fought back."

The opening minutes saw both teams trying to find their footing. Brad Guzan, who was named to MLS Team of the Matchday after his clean sheet against D.C. United, made a crucial save in the ninth minute against Nökkvi Thórisson.

St. Louis’s João Klauss had an early scoring opportunity off a set piece but hit the crossbar. Atlanta responded with chances of their own, including an attempt by Ríos saved by Roman Bürki in the 11th minute.

Derrick Williams blocked another shot from Thórisson in the 18th minute, showcasing his defensive capabilities since returning from injury. Jay Fortune and Xande Silva also had opportunities stopped by Bürki later in the first half.

In the 39th minute, St. Louis appeared to score but saw their goal disallowed due to Klauss impeding Guzan’s ability to make a save. After VAR review, it was determined there was no offside infraction; however, an earlier foul nullified the goal.

Nine minutes of stoppage time were added due to VAR review and cooling breaks. Jamal Thiare had a chance for Atlanta just before halftime.

Atlanta held 56 percent possession at halftime with six shots, three on target.

A halftime substitution brought Stian Gregersen onto the field for Efrain Morales as he returned from injury.

St. Louis took advantage of an early second-half turnover by Gregersen when Indiana Vassilev scored in the 50th minute with assists from Klauss and Jayden Reid.

Atlanta pushed for an equalizer with Fortune hitting the post in the 59th minute and Thiaré attempting a header shortly after.

"The messages from Brad (Guzan) as we walked out of the locker room was 'if we can't win, don't lose'," said Jay Fortune post-match. "To win our last two on the road and then walk away with this draw shows character."

In the 67th minute, Atlanta had its best chance when Williams played Silva into space who then assisted Ríos whose shot was tipped over by Bürki leading to a penalty kick following Gregersen being fouled by Thorisson during a corner kick setup.

Ríos scored on his rebound after Bürki initially saved his penalty shot in the 71st minute tying up scores at 1-1 almost ten minutes later nearly getting another go-ahead goal via Lennon’s pass but tipped away narrowly missing McCarty also having close call inside box going left netwards around same timeframe making final substitution Luke Brennan replacing Jamal Thiaré within last few regular play moments before Guzan made significant save against Caden Glover ensuring end result remained even while controlling game despite offensive challenges created additional nine-minute stoppage period ultimately drawing game resulting now standing twenty-one points placing ninth position Eastern Conference standings reflecting upon future strategies addressing team performance aspects moving forward next scheduled home fixture June twenty-ninth versus Toronto FC available viewing options through Apple TV MLS Season Pass kickoff timing set half-past seven evening hours local timezone respectively

"We are always reflecting on ways we can get better as a team," stated Valentino regarding future matches preparations emphasizing individual player progress alongside tactical considerations evaluating training effectiveness overall improvement metrics concluding remarks upcoming home-based contest details specified accordingly