Jesse Gonzalez leads FC Dallas to road win over Atlanta United

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:23 am

Jesse Gonzalez made seven saves and Michael Barrios assisted on both goals as visiting FC Dallas defeated Atlanta United 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday.

Jesus Ferreira scored in the sixth minute, and Bryan Acosta added an insurance goal in the 84th after intense pressure from Atlanta (1-3-2).

Atlanta's Josef Martinez ended his 436-minute scoreless drought with a penalty kick in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time for the final score. Martinez, the 2018 MLS MVP, has two goals after scoring a league-record 31 last season.

Ferreira gave Dallas (5-2-1) the lead on the counter, as he found a seam and received the ball from Barrios on the right flank at the top of the penalty area.

The 18-year-old Ferreira showed poise, settling the ball and scoring from 12 yards for his third goal of the season and fourth in nine MLS career games.

Jesse Gonzalez
Jesse Gonzalez
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta, especially Ezequiel Barco, had a frustrating time chasing the lead. Barco took a pass from Julian Gressel and was denied by Gonzalez in the 24th, and two minutes later his shot struck the post.

In the 36th minute, he forced Gonzalez into a punch-save, and in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, Gonzalez stretched to his right to stop a 35-yard free kick from Barco.

In the 55th minute, Gressel put a shot from distance just outside the left post, and at the hour mark, Barco clipped the crossbar on another restart.

Gonzalez made a save on Martinez from the middle of the box in the 79th minute. Three minutes after that, Gonzalez preserved the 1-0 lead with a diving stop to his right on Martinez.

The save proved critical when Edwin Cerrillo sent a ball out of the back to Barrios on the right. Acosta got his second goal after a 75-yard run to slot in a service from the right side.

On Saturday, April 27, Atlanta hosts Colorado and FC Dallas is home vs. San Jose.