Dirty South Soccer: For Atlanta United Fc Fans

Atlanta United surrendered a first-half set-piece goal but a Julian Gressel equalizer earned the Five Stripes a point against the Portland Timbers on Sunday evening in a 1-1 home draw. Atlanta controlled the ball from the outset. The Five Stripes were able to find a few chances, the best being a header from Franco Escobar feet outside the six-yard-box saved by keeper Jeff Attinella. As Atlanta pushed forward, the Timbers began to find space on the break. It eventually payed off after a yellow-card-earning foul from Escobar set up a Portland free kick. Samuel Armenteros met the initial ball. Larrys Mabiala finished the chance. Atlanta out-possessed Portland 72-28 and outshot the Timbers 9-6. The half ended with Portland up 1-0. The Five Stripes continued to bang their heads against a brick wall at the beginning of the second half. Atlanta squandered multiple opportunities, including an open shot on goal that Josef skied. Fortunately, Gressel broke through the wall in the 56th minute. While the goal may have