Ronald Hernandez scored a rare goal off a first-half Steven Alzate free-kick — and Jayden Hibbert made several key saves in the second half to keep his second straight clean sheet — as Atlanta United held off Nashville SC 1-0 at Geodis Park on Saturday evening. It was the fourth loss in five tries for Nashville, while Atlanta won their first away match of the year and first MLS match since May 28, a 3-2 victory over Orlando City.
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Ronny Deila made a few changes to Atlanta’s XI from Sunday against Toronto FC. Jayden Hibbert remained in goal, but Steven Alzate received his first MLS start in place of Tristan Muyumba. Jamal Thiare received the start at striker as Miguel Almiron returned to the wing.
And Alzate made his mark in the 24th minute. He delivered a free kick in to Ronald Hernandez, who headed it past Joe Willis to make it 1-0. It was just Hernandez’s third MLS goal and his third for Atlanta across all competitions.
Nashville, as expected, turned it on as the half progressed. They appeared to tie the game through Sam Surridge just before the half, but it was taken off the board as Video Review determined the ball hit the arm of Surridge inside the box.
Surridge came close to the equalizer again in the 51st as he found himself on a 1v1 with Hibbert, but his attempt rang off the crossbar.
Hibbert was called upon to make a pair of key saves just after the hour mark, stopping a point-blank attempt by Hany Mukhtar in front of goal before taking away the near post on another Mukhtar chance.
Nashville ultimately failed to find the equalizer as Atlanta held on for their first win in league play in over three months and won on the road for the first time since Inter Miami in last year’s MLS Cup Playoffs. They also saw their slim playoff hopes for 2025 stay alive as the New York Red Bulls drew the Columbus Crew 0-0.
Atlanta have the next two weeks off due to the international break before facing the Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 13.
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That was the best ATL performance I’ve seen in a LONG time especially in defense. And damn, what an entertaining match to watch. Coming away from Nashville with a 1-0 is actually much more encouraging than a high scoring game considering how this team has struggled holding onto leads. I think the commentators mentioned Nashville have only been held scoreless at home one other time this season? Set piece defending was very good, Mihaj and Gregersen marshaled the back line like champs. Alzate is looking pure class, not just on the assist. Thiare might’ve done better here and there but there was no faulting his work rate up front. And Hibbert, wow. I think we’ve found our first choice keeper. Something to build on.
[…] Ronald Hernandez scores rare goal as Atlanta United stun Nashville SC, 1-0 […]
YES!