Atlanta win third straight game as they defeat Toronto FC

Picture: @ATLUTD/Twitter

ATLANTA, G.A. – Atlanta United won a third consecutive game as a dominant display saw them defeat Toronto FC 2-0 on Wednesday night.

A first half goal from Hector Villalba and a second half goal from Julian Gressel is what helped Atlanta climb into a playoff place.

Atlanta’s (4-3-2) dominant start was merited with an early goal when Pity Martinez’s free kick was saved by Alex Bono, who returned to the TFC lineup, the rebound was crossed in and Villalba tapped home from close range.

Toronto (5-3-1) had a good chance to equalize a few minutes later when Richie Laryea cut the ball back to Nick DeLeon who’s effort went well over the bar.

Another chance went beckoning for the visitors when Brad Guzan played a bad pass and Michael Bradley’s long-range effort from distance went inches wide of the post.

With five minutes left in the first half, Villalba continued to threaten TFC after some trickery saw him hit the woodwork.

The hosts went into the break leading 1-0 after a dominant first 45 minutes.

The Reds made two early changes in the second half; Justin Morrow replaced Ashtone Morgan while Jonathan Osorio came on for Nick DeLeon.

It didn’t take long for Atlanta to get a second when just two minutes after Villalba had a goal ruled offside, Gressel made it 2-0 in the 67th minute.

The German midfielder brought the ball onto his left foot and found Bono’s near post as his effort took a slight deflection off Laurent Ciman.

Pity Martinez continued his impressive outing and was almost rewarded with a goal when his free kick rung off the crossbar.

In the 87th minute Atlanta thought they had a third goal when Josef Martinez squared the ball to Dion Pereira who tapped into the empty net, but it was ruled offside once again.

TFC have now suffered two defeats in three games and will host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at BMO Field.

Atlanta are moving up the table and have won three in a row heading into Sunday’s game against Orlando City.

Starting lineups –

Atlanta United: Guzan; Escobar, Robinson, Gonzalez Pirez, Shea; Remedi, Nagbe; Gressel, Martinez, Villalba; Martinez.

Toronto FC: Bono; Laryea, Zavaleta, Ciman, Morgan; Bradley, Fraser, Chapman; Deleon, Akinola, Pozuelo.