Atlanta United 3, D.C. United 1: Player ratings

My ratings for Atlanta United's players after Sunday's 3-1 win against D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 7: The goal wasn’t his fault. It really was more of a fluke. He didn’t have to make a save and claimed one cross.

Centerback Franco Escobar, 6: Tasked with keeping Yamil Asad in check, he and Julian Gressel totally nullified the midfielder, who finished with just one chance created and a woeful 70-percent passing accuracy. ... Two giveaways in the first half. ... Given a yellow card in the 64th minute for a tackle in which he didn’t touch the D.C. United player. ... Manager Gerardo Martino said he is working on increasing the comfort level of Escobar and Darlington Nagbe.

Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 7: Huge tackle to stop Darren Mattocks in the first half. ... His typical composed self in the center of the defense, marshaling the back line. A three-man back line requires more communication than a four-man line. Had two tackles and completed 92 percent of his passes.

Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 7: Aggressive but in control this game, he played much better than in last week’s loss at Houston. ... He said his hip hurt a little bit, but he played through it to finish with two tackles, two fouls won and an 83.1 percent passing accuracy.

Right wingback Julian Gressel, 8: Really seemed to enjoy playing as a wingback. ... Had a close-range shot blocked in the first half. ... Sustained an ankle injury in the 65th minute but returned to the game. ... Assisted on Miguel Almiron’s goal. ... With Escobar, totally negated Asad. ... Created four chances and had two tackles.

Left wingback Greg Garza, 7: Received a yellow card in the 50th minute on what looked like a solid tackle of Paul Arriola. ... Assisted on Hector Villalba’s goal. ... Didn’t create a chance, a rarity when he plays.

Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 8: Moved from centerback to defensive midfielder, he was the glue that kept the defense together. ... Tied the team-high with four tackles. ... Broke up counter-attacks and was tidy with his passing.

Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 7: Mostly freed from defensive duties, he assisted on Josef’s Martinez goal by sending Hector Villalba down the right side. ... This role as a midfielder who can focus mostly on offense is more suited to his vision and passing ability. ... Completed 92.1 percent of his passes.

Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, 8: Scored his first goal in the 73rd minute. ... Assisted on Hector Villalba’s goal. ... Tracked back well on defense.

Striker Hector Villalba, 8-1/2: Assisted on Josef Martinez’s goal with an inch-perfect cross that went between Steve Birnbaum’s legs. ... Assisted on Almiron’s goal. ... Scored in the 75th minute on a header off a corner kick.

Striker Josef Martinez, 7: Scored his first goal this season and 20th in his MLS career in the 24th minute. ... Just missed a header near the 63rd minute. ... Was much more involved this week than last week.

SUBS

Kevin Kratz (on for Villalba, 82nd minute), NR.

Romario Williams (on for Martinez, 85th minute), NR.

Andrew Carleton (on for Almiron, added time), NR.