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A Friday We'll Never Forget

The first Friday home match in club history brought a loud, rowdy crowd to witness Pineda’s first win.

By Atlanta United FC

September 13^th, 2021

Atlanta United beat Orlando City on Friday to a score of 3-0, giving Gonzalo Pineda his first victory as head coach. Not only did Atlanta pick up three points, the team played a dynamic, vertical style of football dressed in the false nine formation that looked fast and fluid – attacking elements that Pineda has expressed wanting to finesse with his young squad.

The first goal of the night came when defender George Campbell knocked in a header past a diving Adam Grinwis in the 25th minute. The assist from midfielder Marcelino Moreno on service from a short corner kick led to Campbell’s first career goal in MLS.

“It was amazing,” Campbell said. “Even better because it was my mom's birthday today, and I told her I'd score for her. So it was really amazing for me."

Two goals came by way of Barco. The first on a free kick in the 38th minute that was deflected and recorded as an own goal. Then later in the 72nd minute, Barco dribbled away from three Orlando defenders inside the box to give Atlanta a 3-0 lead and defender Brooks Lennon his fifth assist of the season.

The first Friday home match in club history brought a loud, rowdy crowd of over 42,507 fans to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to witness Pineda’s first win with the club. Atlanta's next two matches are both at home. It hosts FC Cincinnati on Wednesday and D.C. United on September 18.

“This is a reward for the fans, which I really like the connection we’ve made with them,” Pineda said. “They were cheering for us in every single moment. And that’s very important for me.”

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