Atlanta United Holds Off Revolution to Advance in MLS Playoffs

Franco Escobar's goal was the difference as the reigning champions move on.

John David Mercer/USA Today Sports

ATLANTA (AP) – Franco Escobar's goal at the 70th minute broke a scoreless match and Atlanta United made it hold up with a 1-0 win on Saturday in an opening-round game of the MLS playoffs.

The defending champs entered the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference and advanced to play the winner of Sunday's contest between No. 3-seed Philadelphia and sixth-seeded New York Red Bulls.

Escobar took a short pass from Ezequiel Barco at the right side of the box and carried a shot over diving keeper Matt Turner. It was Escobar's second goal of the season.

Though the defending champs controlled possession most of the match, New England put itself in position to challenge Atlanta (19-12-4) for the duration.

Conquer for the glory 🔥

Highlights from our Round 1️⃣ #MLSCupPlayoffs victory. pic.twitter.com/BaK5bZZZIn

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) October 19, 2019

At the 36th minute of the first half, Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan came up with an outstretched save of a Cristian Penilla blast from roughly 30 yards out to keep it scoreless.

Early in the second half, Revs keeper Matt Turner did his part to keep the shutout going with saves in just seconds thwarting shot attempts by Barco and Leandro Gonzalez.