Atlanta United did nearly everything but score.

The Five Stripes controlled most of Saturday night’s match at Audi Field, outshooting D.C. United 18-4, but couldn’t find the breakthrough in a frustrating 0-0 draw.

Atlanta generated chances throughout both halves and repeatedly worked its way into dangerous positions, but D.C. goalkeeper Sean Johnson and several last-second defensive interventions kept the visitors off the scoresheet.

For Atlanta, the result brings a second straight match without a win and leaves the club with another missed opportunity in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Lucas Hoyos, meanwhile, recorded his second clean sheet of the season.

Atlanta United Creates Chances but Can’t Break Through

D.C. United produced the first meaningful opportunity in the eighth minute after Atlanta gave the ball away in its own half.

Nathan Ordaz quickly carried the ball into the penalty area and cut back onto his right foot, but his curling effort drifted just wide of Hoyos’ goal.

Atlanta responded almost immediately.

A long switch found Elías Báez on the left side near the end line, and the defender delivered a dangerous cross into the six-yard box.

Johnson got a hand to the ball but could only parry it into the path of Breel Embolo.

The Atlanta forward controlled the ball and attempted to poke his effort toward goal, but a D.C. defender managed to get a crucial block in at the last moment.

It was an early warning of what would become the story of the night.

Atlanta could create openings.

It just couldn’t finish them.

Embolo and Miranchuk Help Atlanta Push Forward

The Five Stripes continued looking for the opening goal before halftime, creating a couple more opportunities without finding the final touch.

Atlanta came out of the break with even more urgency.

In the 48th minute, a combination sequence down the right side opened space for Embolo in the middle of the field.

The Swiss international produced one of the game’s better attacking moments, using the outside of his boot to play a perfectly weighted pass toward Tomás Jacob on the right wing.

Jacob had room to attack but saw his effort deflected behind for an Atlanta corner.

Six minutes later, Atlanta created another dangerous sequence through the middle.

Embolo and Alexey Miranchuk combined to move the ball forward before Miranchuk found an open Cooper Sanchez inside the penalty area.

The Homegrown midfielder’s shot was again blocked by a D.C. defender and sent out for a corner.

The chances were there.

The goal wasn’t.

Almirón Gets Into the Action

Miguel Almirón then came within reach of breaking the deadlock.

The Atlanta captain collected a loose ball in midfield and drove toward the D.C. penalty area before finding Embolo with a through ball down the left.

Embolo got his effort away, but Johnson stood up to it and made a kick save to keep the match scoreless.

Atlanta continued to press for the winner.

Later in the half, Matt Edwards drove down the right side and worked his way toward the end line before sending a pass into the area.

Embolo cleverly let the ball run for Almirón, who was positioned centrally.

The Paraguayan couldn’t get his shot on target, however, as another Atlanta opportunity went begging.

Late Drama Nearly Gives Atlanta All Three Points

The Five Stripes had one final chance to steal the victory in stoppage time.

Second-half substitutes Adrian Gill and Luke Brennan nearly combined to produce the breakthrough.

Gill beat multiple defenders while driving toward the end line on the left before sending a cross across the face of goal.

A D.C. defender got a touch to the ball, sending it into the air.

Brennan had already made the run to the far post.

The young forward met the ball with a powerful header that beat the goalkeeper but struck the crossbar.

D.C. eventually cleared the danger, and moments later the referee ended the match.

For Atlanta, it was perhaps the clearest summary of the night:

Another chance. Another near miss. No goal.

The Playoff Race Gets No Easier

Atlanta United leaves Washington with one point, moving to 6-14-5 with 23 points.

The result is especially frustrating because of how much control the Five Stripes had over the match.

An 18-4 advantage in shots shows that Atlanta was capable of generating attacking pressure. The problem was converting that pressure into the result the team needed.

Against a D.C. United side Atlanta was trying to chase in the Eastern Conference, three points would have been significantly more valuable than another draw.

Instead, Atlanta’s margin for error in the playoff race continues to shrink.

The performance offered positives. The result did not.

What This Means for Atlanta United

Atlanta’s biggest takeaway may be that the attack is creating enough opportunities to win matches.

The next step is finishing them.

Embolo was involved in several of Atlanta’s best sequences. Miranchuk helped connect the attack. Almirón continued to find dangerous areas. Sanchez also got into the box and nearly scored.

But when the final whistle arrived, Atlanta had nothing to show for its attacking pressure beyond a clean sheet.

That’s the difference between controlling a match and winning it.

Atlanta will now have to find a way to turn these performances into points quickly as the season continues to move toward its final stretch.

Community Spotlight: Building Back After Setbacks

Atlanta United’s 0-0 draw is another reminder that even when a team controls the game, things don’t always go according to plan. The Five Stripes created enough opportunities to win but left Washington with only one point. For Metro Atlanta families, unexpected setbacks can happen at home, too—and having the right people to turn to can make the recovery process easier.

Atlanta Soccer News is proud to recognize Hayberg Restoration Network, a Metro Atlanta community partner serving homeowners with restoration, remodeling and general contracting services. From kitchen and bathroom projects to additions, basement finishing and restoration work, Hayberg helps property owners move forward when their homes need attention.

Atlanta will now look to regroup and find a better result against Portland. For homeowners facing a repair, renovation or restoration project, having an experienced local team can provide a strong starting point. Learn more about Hayberg Restoration Network and the services they provide to Metro Atlanta property owners.

Next Up: Portland Timbers

Atlanta United returns to action Saturday, Sept. 19, when it travels to Oregon to face the Portland Timbers at Providence Park.

Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

The match will be available on Apple TV, with radio coverage on 92.9 The Game and La Mejor.

After another match where Atlanta created more than enough opportunities but couldn’t score, the message heading west is simple:

Create less frustration. Finish more chances. Get the points.

ASN TAKE

This was a frustrating result because Atlanta United actually did many of the things it needed to do.

The Five Stripes controlled the majority of the match, produced an 18-4 shot advantage, created opportunities through multiple players and kept D.C. United from generating much offensively.

But the scoreboard doesn’t reward possession or shot totals.

It rewards goals.

Atlanta’s attack has to become more ruthless. Embolo, Almirón and Miranchuk have the quality to create chances, while players like Sanchez, Gill and Brennan showed they can contribute to the attacking effort.

The concern is that Atlanta keeps finding itself on the wrong side of the final scoreline — or, in this case, no scoreline at all.

With the playoff race tightening, 0-0 draws aren’t enough.

Atlanta needs to turn its territorial dominance into three points.

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Author: Quique Lopez

Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.