Brennan Shines, Miranchuk Saves the Day in Atlanta’s 2–2 Draw with Sounders

In a match filled with end-to-end action, late goals, and a need for points, Atlanta United and Seattle Sounders played to a 2–2 draw Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta took the lead early and looked strong throughout the first half, but Seattle clawed back via their counterattack before a final goal by Atlanta in stoppage time delivered a share of the points for both sides.

Atlanta came out on the front foot, pressing high and testing Seattle’s defense immediately. Stian Gregersen went into the book in the 5th minute for a tactical foul after losing his footing to stop a strong Seattle counter. This gave an early indication of the type of counterattack Atlanta has to watch for during the match.

Just two minutes later, Atlanta struck. Miguel Almirón held possession at the top edge of the box before passing it off to a waiting Latte Lath, who slipped it to Luke Brennan on the left side. Brennan held possession while Latte Lath made a run, before slipping him a pass to the left. Latte Lath crossed the ball in from close to the end line, but the ball took a deflection off Seattle’s Yeimar Gómez Andrade, which looped the ball into the back of the net for an early 1–0 lead.

Atlanta continued with this momentum with several strong looks. In the 18th minute, Amador tried to take advantage of a miscommunication in Seattle’s backline, sneaking a shot toward the right post that forced a strong save. Brennan continued his strong play, cutting inside and putting a shot off the post. He found the net in the 42nd minute, but the goal was called back for offside. Still, the momentum and energy remained high from the home side in the first half.

Luke Brennan played well in his second straight start. (Photos: Sofia Cupertino for the SDH Network)

On Brennan, Atlanta United manager Ronny Deila said, "I think Luke played really well today. Look at his work rate, and I’m sure if you go through his numbers now, he will be the guy who ran the most on the pitch. He defends, he attacks space, he created a shot that hit the post, and he had opportunities to switch the play and produce with the ball. He really has made a big impact on the team, so that is very good."

Seattle, who came into the match unbeaten in MLS play since their Club World Cup exit and still seeking their first win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, came out with intent in the second half. Atlanta’s backline made a crucial stop in the 49th minute, but the Sounders soon found themselves on the score sheet.

In the 55th minute, Latte Lath's cross from the right was intercepted inside the 18. A long ball got over the top creating a 3v1 for Seattle’s Pedro de la Vega. He took the ball in stride, drove forward and finished to level the match 1–1.

Atlanta almost took the lead back in the 64th with a curling strike from Slisz that just flew over the crossbar. Newcomer Enea Mihaj made his debut in the 66th and immediately impressed with smart defensive reads and timely steps to cut out Seattle’s attacking strikes.

Tensions continued to escalate as both teams picked up yellow cards. Reed Baker-Whiting dragged down Almirón in the 72nd, Tristan Muyumba was late to a tackle for Atlanta in the 73rd, and Jackson Ragen body blocked Almirón for Seattle in the 88th as both teams searched for an upper hand in the match.

In the 95th minute, Seattle took the lead. A well-placed cross from Nouhou found Osaze De Rosario in the box, who rose up and headed home to make it 2–1.

Just moments later, in the 99th minute, the Five Stripes responded to rescue a result. Off a set piece, Almirón passed the ball to Alexey Miranchuk at the edge of the box. With calm precision, he fired a shot into the far side netting. The equalizer was the last play of the game and sealed a 2–2 draw.

Next up for Atlanta United is the Leagues Cup. Atlanta will open the tournament on Wednesday night against Necaxa, followed by matches against Pumas and Atlas over the next week.