My ratings for Atlanta United's players after Thursday's 4-0 win against Herediano in the CONCACAF Champions League at Kennesaw State:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 8: One huge save near the end of the game to preserve the shutout. ... Other than that, a pretty quiet night.
Centerback Miles Robinson, 7: Great positioning and decision-making all night. ... Mis-hit one pass, but that was it. ... His speed stopped Herediano attack down his side.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 8: Moved back into the middle from the right where the started last week, he again showed why he's one of the better centerbacks in MLS.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7.5: Yellow card in 19th minute and then continued to argue with Jamaican referee Oshane Nation throughout the half. Parkhurst finally told him to calm down just before halftime. ... Kept his composure in the second half and scored Atlanta United's fourth goal on a header in the 84th minute. ...
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 8.5: Gave Atlanta United a 2-0 lead in 10th minute. ... Put in a great cross in the 32nd minute that Brek Shea just missed. ... Just missed a second in the 55th minute.
Left wingback Brek Shea, 8: His dangerous cross contributed to Josef Martinez's first goal. ... Missed an open goal from a very tight angle in the 32nd minute. ... Followed that by almost gifting Herediano a one-on-one with Guzan with a weak attempt at a clearance. ... Earned his first assist on Josef Martinez's second goal.
Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 8: Put Shea through for Josef Martinez's second goal. It was his first assist this season. ... Along with Nagbe, had the most touches in the game.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 8: Given way too much on the left early, which sparked a few Atlanta United attacks. ... Good in tight spaces on the turn as Atlanta United kept the ball circulating well throughout the night.
Left winger Ezequiel Barco, 8: Earned an assist on Gressel's goal. ... Ran and ran and ran in the first half. ... Was taken down from behind in a one-on-one situation with the keeper. It should have been a red card to the Herediano player. Instead, nothing was called. ... Put Gressel through in the 55th minute. ... Earned his second assist on Gonzalez Pirez's goal. ... Named man of the match.
Right winger Pity Martinez, 7: A few dazzling moves early. ... A yellow card in the 37th minute after a late sliding challenge. ... Showed his quality throughout.
Striker Josef Martinez, 9: Opened his 2019 account with a goal in the first minute. It was the fastest goal in team history, second only to his goal in the second minute of 2017's 7-0 win against New England. ... Scored his second goal to give Atlanta United a 3-0 lead. ...
...
SUBS
Hector Villalba (on for Pity Martinez, 69th minute), 7: A few trademark Villalba runs.
Romario Williams (on for Josef Martinez, 81st minute), NR:
Jeff Larentowicz (on for Eric Remedi, 88th minute), NR:
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