Atlanta United found exactly what they needed on Saturday night. A gritty 1-0 road win against the Portland Timbers proves this squad can grind out results when the pressure mounts. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective. The club is currently on a much better run, going 4-2-2 over their last eight matches, per reports.
The difference maker was Alexey Miranchuk. In the 28th minute, he found the back of the net to give Atlanta the lead. According to the Associated Press, the goal came thanks to assists from both Miguel Almirón and Júnior Alonso . This was his sixth goal of the season. That number matches what he put up in 33 games during his first full year in MLS last year. He didn't just score; he clinical. He moved past his defender and curled a left-footed shot past James Pantemis . That one moment was all Atlanta needed to hold on.
You can't talk about this win without mentioning Lucas Hoyos . The 37-year-old keeper was a wall. He made three saves to protect the slim lead. According to reports, he recorded his third shutout within 26 starts after joining the team in the offseason. He stopped every shot the Timbers put on target. Without that composure, Portland might have found an equalizer. His performance kept the defensive unit steady under constant pressure.
The Timbers are in trouble. They have lost two games in a row and have only scored four goals in their last three matches. This is a massive drop from their 5-4 win over Minnesota United earlier this month. Although they remain on the ninth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, their position is slipping. Atlanta's defense, led by Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz , simply didn't break. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the club this Saturday as they return home to play New York City FC .
