Atlanta United’s first team finished its preseason undefeated after a 0-0 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday.
The scrimmage, held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., was set up as two 45-minute periods, followed by another scrimmage featuring the reserves that was two 35-minute periods.
Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer’s starting lineup in first scrimmage was goalkeeper Brad Guzan, centerbacks Michael Parkhurst, Miles Robinson and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, wingbacks Julian Gressel on the right and Brek Shea on the left, defensive midfielders Eric Remedi and Jeff Larentowicz, midfielders Ezequiel Barco and Pity Martinez, and striker Josef Martinez. The team set up in the 3-4-3/5-4-1 formation that looks like what de Boer will use this season.
After receiving a tackle that resulted in a yellow card in the 15th minute, Pity Martinez was replaced by Andrew Carleton in the 20th minute. The move was precautionary. Martinez, the team’s key offseason acquisition, sat on the bench for the remainder of the game.
Larentowicz was given a red card for tackling Emil Cuello from behind just before the half. Because it was a scrimmage, Atlanta United was allowed to replace Larentowicz with Anderson Asiedu, who finished the game.
Atlanta United had a late goal disallowed when Josef Martinez was ruled offside after a flying volley in which he leaped sideway and struck the ball with his right foot higher than his head.
The Galaxy’s lineup included Jonathan dos Santos, but not Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Atlanta United’s first team went 2-0-2 in its scrimmages against Seattle, Tijuana (mostly reserves), LAFC and the Galaxy. The team will return to Atlanta on Thursday. It will unveil its new primary kit Friday.
Atlanta United’s season will start next week when it plays Herediano in Costa Rica on Feb. 21 in its first game in the CONCACAF Champions League.
In Wednesday’s second match, Hector Villalba scored in the opening minutes to give Atlanta United a 1-0 lead on a shot from the center of the penalty box.
Atlanta United’s lineup in the second scrimmage was goalkeeper Alec Kann, defenders George Bello, Florentin Pogba, Kendall Edwards, Mikey Ambrose, Gordon Wild and Jon Gallagher. The midfielders were Amir Bashti, Villalba and Brandon Vazquez, with Romario Williams as striker.
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