Real Salt Lake came into town hoping to snap their three-game losing streak but was unable to do so as Atlanta United, who was looking to avenge their 3-0 loss against Austin FC, was victorious in this matchup with a score of 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The first half had both teams attempting numerous shots. Both offenses did not ease up and were able to put forth all three goals in the first half of the game. It didn't take long for Ronaldo Cisneros to find the back of the net for Atlanta. His goal came in the 7th minute. Thiago Almada, who assisted in the goal, made a long pass to Ronaldo Cisneros, who had to show off his footwork abilities and dribble the ball between his feet. When he did that, the defender got caught looking in the wrong direction, and all Cisneros had left was the goalie to finish clinically past. Cisneros would score his second goal while he was surrounded by three defenders, they were all spread apart, so he had a clearer vision of the net to power the ball home. Atlanta was up 2-0 in the 33rd minute but, four minutes later, Johan Kappelhof scored for Real Salt Lake. His goal came off a set piece from Real Salt Lake, who took it slow as they were trying to find a way to get the ball towards the net and after a couple of short passes between teammates. Justin Meram crossed the ball to Kapplehof, who was running towards the middle of the box.

Atlanta United came out in the second half with one thing in mind, keep control of the game. In the 63rd minute, Almada had an opportunity to put Atlanta up 3-1 when he attempted a shot from outside of the box, but it hit the goal post instead. Four minutes later, Marcelino Moreno had a chance to increase Atlanta’s lead when he received the ball from Aiden McFadden, but his shot pulled wide left. Machop Chol, who came on as a sub for Mcfadden, had an opportunity in the 79th minute, but at the very last second, a defender came to the aid of Zac MacMath and kicked the ball away stopping a potential goal. Real Salt Lake also, unfortunately, had a goal taken back due to a player being offside. 

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Rachel Pearce]