MLS: Atlanta United Pulls Defeat from the Jaws of Victory, Fall 2-1 to Revolution

Andrew Earnest
2 days ago
3 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

ATLANTA, GA (APRIL 22, 2026) – In the words of 92.9 broadcaster Mike Conti, "For the last two years, Atlanta United pulls defeat from the jaws of victory." Tonight was no different. For the seventh time this season, the Five Stripes failed to materialize desperately needed points. Atlanta hosted the New England Revolution at home after a rough Nashville loss on the weekend. The Revolution came into this match on the back of three strong home victories, defeating Montreal, D.C., and Columbus.

For Atlanta, Miguel Almirón was sidelined with knee irritation from the midweek Open Cup match against Chattanooga FC, and Latte Lath was absent from the squad entirely. Tata Martino fielded a makeshift 4-3-3 with Fafa Picault and Saba Lobjanidze up front.

New England began with a similar roster to their prior win against Columbus, shaped in a 4-2-3-1. The Revolution's starting lineup notably had Ethan Kohler start in midfield rather than at his more natural right back position, a role he'd already been asked to fill last week when Brayan Ceballos departed with a groin injury and Kohler moved from midfield to central defender to cover.

The match began with controversy when, in the 18th minute, New England's Alhassan Yusuf found a powerful strike from outside the box that seemingly opened the scoring for the Revs. After a VAR review, the goal was overturned and the match remained goalless. Atlanta United didn't let that affect them and played with great quality, enjoying long spells of possession in the attacking third and applying sustained pressure on the Revolution's defense. Their efforts were rewarded in the 38th minute when a Miranchuk pass led to a blocked shot by Lobjanidze and a tap-in by Fafa Picault, the veteran Haitian international's first MLS goal.

After eight minutes of stoppage time, the match remained 1-0 to the home side at the break. Atlanta United began the second half on the front foot, peppering the New England goal with shots and forcing crucial saves from goalkeeper Matt Turner. That momentum shifted in the 73rd minute when a corner reached the head of Will Sands, who slotted it perfectly past Lucas Hoyos — the defender's first MLS goal.

With the game level, the Revs needed only five minutes to take the lead when a pinpoint cross by Carles Gil found youngster Peyton Miller, completing the comeback.

Atlanta didn't go down without a fight. Tata Martino made four substitutions in the 79th minute, bringing on Cayman Togashi, Luke Brennan, Ajani Fortune, and Tristan Muyumba. The Five Stripes desperately attempted to find an equalizer, testing Turner again and again. A handball shout and a mis-hit strike by Emmanuel Latte Lath marked the end of the match — and another three points lost at home for Atlanta.

Final Score: AUFC 1 - 2 NER

Despite generating offensive pressure unlike anything seen from them this season, Atlanta were unable to hold their lead. It's a new kind of frustration for an Atlanta side that has shown little dominance throughout the season, yet tonight, despite outshooting their opponents 23 to 7, the results simply weren't there.

Central midfielder Carles Gil was crucial for the Revs in this match, serving as the glue between the Revs’ front and back lines. Seasoned USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was exceptional between the sticks, turning away multiple Atlanta attempts and single-handedly keeping his side in the contest.

New England Revolution sit third in the Eastern Conference with a record of 5-0-3. With a looming trip to Miami on Saturday, they'll arrive on the back of real momentum. Carles Gil continues to pull the strings and Turner continues to be among the best goalkeepers in the league. If they can navigate Miami, a title run in the East isn't far-fetched.

Atlanta United now sit last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 1-1-7, a nightmare start for the club. The performances have been, at times, solid; the March win over Philly and the scoreless draw with DC showed what this squad is capable of on a good day. But they haven't had enough good days, and converting a first-half lead into a defeat will only intensify the scrutiny on Tata Martino and his staff. The Five Stripes travel to sixth-placed Toronto on Saturday for an early kickoff, an unfortunate fixture for a team this fragile.

Stats:

Possession: AUFC 48% - 52% NER

Total Shots: AUFC 23 - 7 NER

Shots on Target: AUFC 9 - 4 NER

Touches in Opposition Box: AUFC 40 - 11 NER

Fouls Committed AUFC 14 - 10 NER

Corners: AUFC 8 - 3 NER