Seattle Sounders x Atlanta United

On Sunday night at Lumen Field, Atlanta United secured a 2-0 victory against the Seattle Sounders, with Giorgos Giakoumakis contributing goals on both sides of halftime.

Giakoumakis initiated the scoring in the 11th minute by elevating for a commanding header from a corner kick delivered by Brooks Lennon. This marked the 11th goal of Giakoumakis' season, an achievement noteworthy as he is experiencing his debut Major League Soccer season following his transfer from Scottish giants Celtic. In the 19th minute, Atlanta came close to widening the lead when Edwin Mosquera's attempt from the right side of the box soared over the crossbar. Sounders' goalkeeper Stefan Frei exhibited a strong save a minute later, thwarting a shot from debutant Xande Silva. Frei's prowess was evident again in the 36th minute as he deflected a close-range effort from Giakoumakis.

Seattle's most promising opportunity in the initial 45 minutes arrived just before halftime, as an Albert Rusnák shot was deflected over Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan but landed on top of the net.

Early in the second half, Seattle generated a chance in the 48th minute when Yeimar's forceful header from a Nicolás Lodeiro corner kick was directed straight at Guzan. Rusnák came agonizingly close to equalizing in the 58th minute, with his volley narrowly missing the far post after a corner kick was cleared. Giakoumakis further extended Atlanta's lead in the 65th minute by heading in a cross provided by Thiago Almada. Lodeiro had an opportunity to narrow the deficit three minutes later from the right side, but his shot struck the post and rebounded for a goal kick. In the 71st minute, Fredy Montero seized on a turnover in Atlanta's 18-yard box, but his subsequent shot veered wide, missing a potential scoring chance.

[Photography by Alejandro Sanchez]