Atlanta quiets Galaxy, Ibrahimovic in 2-0 win

Reuters
22 April 2018: Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron scored goals and Atlanta United kept Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet in a 2-0 road win over the LA Galaxy on Saturday at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Martinez scored off a rebound in the first half, and Almiron secured the three points for the Five Stripes with a sealing penalty kick in second-half stoppage time. Atlanta extended its unbeaten streak to six games.

Ibrahimovic, who had scored three goals in his first three MLS games since coming over from Manchester United on March 31, was held without a shot by United's defense.

Ezequiel Barco, Atlanta's prized offseason acquisition, teamed up with Almiron to earn a first-half penalty kick. Barco pushed a pass into the top left corner of the box to a streaking Almiron, who went down on a tackle attempt, drawing the penalty.

Martinez failed to capitalize on the penalty kick, though, hitting the left post, just past the fingertips of a diving David Bingham, who guessed right to help thwart the opportunity.

Martinez redeemed himself just two minutes later with his MLS-leading sixth goal of the season. He followed up a shot from Julian Gressel that hit the crossbar and finished from close range to give United a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

Atlanta's defense shined in the first half, holding the Galaxy without a shot on frame as the Five Stripes took the 1-0 lead into intermission.

LA midfielder Giovani dos Santos returned to the pitch for the Galaxy. The Mexican national had been out since mid-March with a leg injury. He entered the match in the 66th minute.

Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan faced only one shot on frame but made multiple well-timed plays to end Galaxy threats.

The Galaxy will host the New York Red Bulls on April 28. The Five Stripes return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to host the Montreal Impact on April 28.