Doug Roberson's ratings for Atlanta United's players from Sunday's 2-1 win against NYCFC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7.5: Came out of his goal to stop Valentin Castellanos in the 23rd minute. .... Finished with three saves. ... Distribution was solid.
Centerback Franco Escobar, 8: Solid with his tackling and passing to break NYCFC's press. ... Really growing into playing centerback after being a fullback/wingback most of last season and earlier this season.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 8.5: His third consecutive masterful performance. ... Had a goal disallowed after a review. ...
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7.5: Yellow card in the 21st minute for pulling down an NYCFC player. ...
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 8: As he did in last year's playoff series, Remedi practically neutralized Maxi Moralez, who created three chances and got an assist, but it was too little, too late.
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 7.5: Another quiet but effective performance for the man in the middle.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 8: Three quality crosses in the first three minutes. ... Earned his eighth assist this season on Josef Martinez's first goal ... Created seven chances. ...
Left wingback Justin Meram, 7: Not as consistently effective as Gressel, but still played solidly with two chances created and two tackles.
Attacking midfielder Ezequiel Barco, 7.5: Great hustle in the 9th minute when he lost the ball but made a sliding tackle to win back possession. ... Finished with one shot and one chance created.
Striker Pity Martinez, 8: Perfect pass to Barco in the 26th minute in the center of the penaty box. ... Earned his seventh assist this season on Josef Martinez's first goal. ... Stopped by Sean Johnson early in the second half. ... Free kick saved by Johnson later in the half. ... Hustled to win a ball and then drew a penalty that was converted by Josef Martinez. ... Frank de Boer said it was his best game.
Striker Josef Martinez, 9: His goal gave Atlanta United a 1-0 lead and broke two MLS records. ... His second gave him 20 for the season. ... His five shots on goal tied a franchise record set by Hector Villalba.
SUBS
Emerson Hyndman (in for Barco, 78), NR:
Jeff Larentowicz (on for Remedi, 78), NR:
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