Atlanta United falls 5-2 to Real Salt Lake at America First Field

Atlanta United ended their double-header week away with a 5-2 loss to a tough Real Salt Lake side.

Just a minute into the first half, Real Salt Lake managed to get the ball up the field to open the scoring. RSL midfielder Matt Crooks fired home from inside the box, with the goal assisted by Diego Luna and Braian Ojeda.

Despite a less than ideal start to the season, the 5-Stripes managed to gather their composure and start creating scoring chances to score a goal of their own.^th In the first minute, Daniel Rios, who has three goals in his last five games, nearly scored Atlanta’s first goal with a header from a tight angle. Alongside Rios, Ronald Hernandez was everywhere in the final third for Atlanta. The stability of the midfield gives players the opportunity to step up and score.

At 21^st The next minute, following a Salt Lake turnover, Bartosz Slisz had the chance to take the first shot but it was stopped by RSL goalkeeper Gavin Beavers. On the rebound, Ríos took a difficult angle shot that went just wide of the net.

Atlanta’s ease in building from the back paid off when they equalised in the 31st minute.^st minute of the first half. After missing international duty with his home country Georgia for Euro 2024, Saba Lobjanidze picked up where he left off. Ríos backheeled the ball to Lobjanidze who put the ball in the back of the net. Bartosz Slisz, who had also missed international duty with his home country, got the secondary assist on the equaliser.

After recovering from the first five minutes of the match, the 5-Stripes finished the first half with eight shots, including three on target, compared to two for Real Salt Lake.