ClapToronto FC’s loss to the Atlanta United not only gave them the victory but also what many see as revenge at the hands of Julian Gressel and Hector Villalba and Julian Gressel, who together led Atlanta to a 2-0 win over Toronto.
The revenge comes after Toronto’s win against the Atlanta United in last year’s final, just a little over six months ago and that put a stop to the United from winning the Supporters’ Shield, a trophy that is awarded to the team with the best record in the regular season.
It was also Atlanta’s third consecutive win, a shutout and the first time the United managed to beat the Toronto FC. The previous four matches saw three end in a tie and the fourth and most bitter, a win for Toronto.
Major League Soccer
Atlanta’s goalkeeper had an easy day in the goal and didn’t have to stop a single shot. It was his fourth shutout this season and his 44th shutout in the MLS. This was the first game of the year that Toronto failed to produce a goal, and beyond winning against Orlando on Saturday, they were unable to score consecutive victories, and that includes the lack of back-to-back wins at home.
Atlanta took advantage of a free kick to take the early lead in the first half after midfielder Gonzalo Martinez took the kick from outside the box. Toronto’s keeper, Alex Bono made a dive for the ball stopping the shot, but a fast acting Martinez picked up the rebound quickly passing it to Hector Villalba who directed it past Bono.
However, that goal was overruled for being offside, but eight minutes later, Martinez was again in the heat of it passing to midfielder Julian Gressel, who waiting in the penalty area, fired off a shot that came in contact with the foot of Toronto’s Justin Morrow and into the goal.
Atlanta has won its last three games putting away the Colorado Rapids, Sporting Kansas City and Toronto. They managed to score six goals in total and now have more wins this year than losses. Yesterday’s win also was their fourth in the last five, and four of those were shutout victories.
Atlanta United next play host to the Orlando City SC on Sunday before heading to Vancouver to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps, who suffered their seventh straight loss to the Colorado Rapids last week. Toronto continues with their road trip heading to Philadelphia on Saturday, Washington on the 15th and Salt Lake City on the 18th, before returning home to welcome the San Jose Earthquakes.
