Atlanta United FC dropped a 3–2 decision to Real Salt Lake on Saturday night in the club’s home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Salt Lake struck three times in the first half, beginning with a 23rd-minute goal from Sergi Solans after a quick counterattack. Just four minutes later, Aiden Hezarkhani doubled the lead with a powerful strike into the top corner.
Atlanta responded in the 38th minute when Alexey Miranchuk finished from close range for his first goal of the season, with Elias Baez and Cooper Sanchez recording their first MLS assists. However, Salt Lake regained a two-goal advantage just before halftime when Zavier Gozo found the net.
Atlanta pushed back in the second half and cut the deficit again in the 74th minute. Tristan Muyumba and Emmanuel Latte Lath combined to set up Miranchuk for his second goal of the night, marking the midfielder’s first MLS brace with Atlanta.
The Five Stripes pressed for a late equalizer, but Real Salt Lake’s defense produced key blocks on chances from Baez and substitute Matías Galarza to secure the win.
Atlanta will look to bounce back when they host the Philadelphia Union next weekend at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
