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Home Sweet Return

The 5-Stripes return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium

By Atlanta United FC

August 24^th, 2020

Atlanta United returned in electric fashion, beating Nashville SC 2-0 in their first home match in five months. Pity Martinez scored both goals for ATL UTD and his first two goals for the 2020 season. Brad Guzan recorded his 37th clean sheet in the dominant victory over Nashville.

The team showed out for Interim Head Coach Stephen Glass’ first match since being promoted from ATL UTD 2.

“I’m delighted with the response from the players. You’re never sure exactly what’s going to happen until the ball starts rolling. We’ve seen a great response in training, and they’ve carried it on tonight,” Glass said about the team’s performance in his post-match interview.

Despite playing without fans in attendance, several ATL UTD traditions were still part of matchday. Piedmont Nurse Chrissa Hofstetter hammered in the Golden Spike in a pre-recorded segment to help get the team hyped for the match. Fan noise from previous matches was played throughout the game, including the signature A-T-L clap at the 40 and 80 minute marks. Fans were able to post pictures on the Halo Board using the hashtag #UniteAndConquer and voted on Twitter for the Golden Spike player of the match.

Pity Martinez broke through in the 40th minute to get Atlanta United its first goal since March. Martinez sliced through the Nashville defense before striking the ball right through the Nashville goalkeeper’s legs. Eric Remedi set up the shot with a 40-yard ball right to Martinez’ feet.

Erick Torres subbed in for Adam Jahn in the 80th minute, needing only seven minutes to help set up Martinez’ second goal of the night. Torres signed with the club on July 31 and brings with him more than 230 professional appearances and 65 goals scored at the club level.