My ratings for Atlanta United's players following Saturday's 2-1 win against Chicago at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 8: Huge game for the goalkeeper, who was credited with three saves, all in the second half. He was strong in the box, even though that aggression led to yet another injury to Franco Escobar.
Right wingback Julian Gressel, 7: Missed a tackle early that led to a shot and then called for a foul that led to a free kick later in the half. ... STill, settled down in the second half and finished with four tackles.
Centerback Franco Escobar, 7: Cleared a goal off the line early in the first half. ... Worked hard throughout the game. Was aggressive, physical and showed quickness. ... Left with an injury in the 90th minute. It was his first start since returning from a concussion.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7: He and Gonzalez Pirez did a good job keeping Nemanja Nikolic and Aleksander Katai under wraps. The two finished with just one shot on goal.
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Another strong showing from the Argentinian, who tied for the team lead in chances created. ... Still has a tendency to look for fouls rather than playing until a whistle blows.
Left wingback Greg Garza, 6: Kind of a quiet night from Garza, who created one chance.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 6: Not sharp with his passing early. ... The team struggled to break Chicago’s press until manager Gerardo Martino moved Larentowicz positioning to receive passes behind Chicago’s front three, instead of as another centerback. ... Had three tackles and was part of the group that tried to neutralize Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 8: Atlanta United’s choice for man of the match. ... He grew into the game after being quiet in the first half. Finished with two chances created and completed 87.2 percent of his passes.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8.5: Posted his fifth assist this season on Barco's first goal. ... Led his team in touches (87), tackles (8) and fouls won (4).
Striker Ezequiel Barco, 8: Dribbled, dribbled and dribbled some more in the first half but no chances created. ... Scored his first goal in the 53rd minute by chipping the goalkeeper from 8 yards away. ... Completed more than 90 percent of his passes and won two fouls.
Striker Josef Martinez, 7: Two shots early, one that had no power and a bicycle kick that sailed over the bar as part of three shots in the first half. ... Scored his league-leading seventh goal this season and his 26th in his 29th MLS game in the 57th minute.
SUBS
Kevin Kratz (on for Martinez, 72nd minute), NR:
Hector Villalba (on for Barco, 81st minute), NR:
Miles Robinson (on for Escobar, 90th minute), NR:
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