MLS: failed debut for Gonzalo Pineda at the helm of Atlanta
In his first game as head coach of Atlanta United FC, Gonzalo Pineda did not have the desired effect with his team as Nashville SC had the upper hand 2-0 on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The newcomer, hired on August 12, witnessed, helplessly, a great offensive breakthrough from his opponents. Forward Daniel Rios put the finishing touches by surprising goalkeeper Bradley Guzan with a low shot in the very last minute of the first half. Then, in the second, it was Randall Leal who deceived his vigilance during the added time.
During a push to make the qualifiers for Major League Soccer (MLS), the Georgia club had yet won its last four outings under the rule of Rob Valentino, assistant instructor and interim driver since the departure of Gabriel. Heinze. Atlanta thus remains ninth in the Eastern Conference with 27 points, three less than CF Montreal.
Nashville for its part signed a first victory on the road since the start of the season. The team nonetheless joined Orlando City SC in second in the East with a good 8-2-11 record for 35 points.
The Revolution bows
At Yankee Stadium, New York City FC inflicted on the New England Revolution their fourth loss of the campaign.
Valentin Castellanos was the star of the game for the New Yorkers, scoring two goals in the victory. The first came in the 31st minute when he headed a lobbed pass from Maximiliano Moralez. He then made the strings vibrate in the 55th minute thanks to a wonderful staging by the same teammate.
New York City FC therefore remains one point behind Nashville FC in the standings, with one game in hand.
Action in Los Angeles
In a duel between the two Los Angeles teams, FC and Galaxy gave the fans a 3-3 draw at Banc of California Stadium.
Whenever one team took the lead, the other came from behind to tie the game.
Dejan Joveljic scored the first two goals for the Galaxy in the 20th and 64th minutes. His LAFC rival Brian Rodriguez followed suit by scoring a brace with an eight-minute gap between his two wins.
Cristian Arango counted on a penalty for FC and Kevin Cabral tied four minutes before stoppage time.
