ATLANTA (May 3, 2025) — Atlanta United ended its four-match goalless drought in front of its home supporters Saturday afternoon, battling to a 1-1 draw with Nashville SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In a match that featured history-making milestones and encouraging signs of attacking life, Brooks Lennon and Miguel Almirón combined to give the 5-Stripes a first-half lead before Nashville clawed back to split the points.
Breaking the Drought with a Dose of History
The 5-Stripes opened the scoring in the 20th minute through a sequence full of significance. Pedro Amador whipped in a dangerous ball that Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis came out to punch, colliding with Daniel Latte Lath in the process. The deflection fell kindly to Brooks Lennon, who quickly sent a low cross to Miguel Almirón for a clinical tap-in finish.
The goal was more than just a long-awaited breakthrough—it was historic. Almirón’s strike marked his 24th MLS regular-season goal for Atlanta United, moving him past Thiago Almada for second-most in club history. Only Josef Martínez (98) remains ahead.
Lennon’s assist, meanwhile, was his 40th in an Atlanta United shirt, pushing him past Julian Gressel to become the club’s all-time leader in assists.
“I think we played really well to the goal,” said head coach Ronny Deila. “We were the team that we want to be. I saw a lot of energy. But in the second half, we became more passive—that’s not who we are. We need to keep extending that good period.”
Positive Patterns and Smart Play
Atlanta United dominated possession early and did so with purpose. Rather than simply recycling the ball, the 5-Stripes used wide switches to stretch Nashville’s shape. Pedro Amador and Brooks Lennon were constant outlets near the touchlines, creating room in central areas for Mateusz Klich, Alexey Miranchuk, and Almirón to operate.
Though Nashville nearly punished a back-pass mistake midway through the first half, Atlanta’s defensive structure held firm, and the hosts went into halftime with a deserved 1-0 lead—their first time leading at the break since April 5.
Second-Half Response from the Visitors
Nashville responded with pressure after the break, earning multiple corners and asserting themselves in midfield. Their persistence paid off in the 66th minute when a corner kick fell to Daniel Lovitz, who volleyed it past Brad Guzan to bring the match level.
Despite late substitutions—including Edwin Mosquera, Bartosz Slisz, Matt Edwards, and Jamal Thiaré—Atlanta couldn’t regain the attacking momentum of the first half. Instead, it was Guzan who ensured the point, producing a critical save in the 75th minute to deny Hany Mukhtar from close range.
Key Stat: 8
That’s how many corners Nashville earned over 90 minutes. Their equalizer came from one of those eight, underlining the pressure Atlanta’s defense faced during the second half.
Standout Performers
- Miguel Almirón: Lively and clever in the No. 10 role, Almirón was a constant threat when carrying the ball under pressure. His smart positioning on the goal capped off a strong first-half performance.
- Pedro Amador: The left back was everywhere—supporting the attack with pinpoint deliveries and hustling back to defend. His cross initiated the goal sequence, and his work rate continues to shine this season.
Milestone Watch
- Almirón and Saba Lobjanidze both made their 350th career club appearances.
- Saba also reached his 50th appearance for Atlanta United, joining an exclusive group of 30 players to hit the half-century mark.
- Almirón’s goal moved him into second all-time in Atlanta’s MLS scoring charts.
- Lennon now stands alone atop the club’s all-time assist leaderboard with 40.
What’s Next
Atlanta United heads back on the road, traveling to Chicago for a clash with the Fire at Soldier Field on Saturday, May 10. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET.
