A disjointed first half gives way to a determined comeback

Player Impressions: ATLUTD 2-2 Charlotte

After being badly outplayed in the first half, Atlanta responded through Báez and Almirón while Hoyos repeatedly denied Charlotte during a frantic second-half recovery.

VIPs of Atlanta Soccer · Jul 22, 2026 · 4 min read

Atlanta United midfielder Ignacio Suarez-Couri #56 makes his MLS debut during the match against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday July 22, 2026. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United)

Atlanta United’s first half was disorganized, disconnected and the Five Stripes were fortunate to be only two goals down. Charlotte found space too easily, Atlanta struggled to play through even modest pressure, and the back line never looked settled. The second half was considerably better. Atlanta played with more urgency, Báez and Almirón pulled the team level, and Lucas Hoyos repeatedly kept Charlotte from re-taking the lead. A comeback draw was an unlikely result considering how poorly Atlanta played for much of the night. The response after halftime showed considerably more fight than the opening 45 minutes.

Starting Lineup

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Player Involvement

A quick visual of which players appeared in my match notes. This is based on my own observations and note-taking, so it is subjective.

1st Half

2nd Half

Click a player name to view my game notes for that player. See what you agree with, and what you don't. Enjoy my spelling errors.

Player Impressions

Lucas Hoyos

Atlanta does not get a point without him. There were nervous moments in the first half, including a fumble, but his second-half performance was enormous. He repeatedly stopped Charlotte from scoring a third and made another critical intervention during the stoppage-time siege.

The truth is he’s given us good answers all season and furthermore he’s a leader in the locker room and on the field. He’s a player who in a short time has transformed into a very valuable player for us. Tata Martino, Atlanta United Head Coach - Post-game Press Conference

Elías Báez

Recovered from a difficult first half to become one of Atlanta’s most influential players. He scored the first goal, nearly added another with a strong header and later supplied the cross that eventually produced Almirón’s equalizer. His defending remains inconsistent, but his attacking contribution changed the match.

What we have to understand with both Elías and Tomás, even though they were re-enforcements, is that they come with high expectations but they’re still young players and have to keep learning. And today Elías fulfilled a very good game. Tata Martino, Atlanta United Head Coach - Post-game Press Conference

Júnior Alonso

An underwhelming debut. He showed his passing range with a few early long balls and appeared to be trying to organize the defense, but Atlanta’s back line remained badly disjointed and Charlotte repeatedly found open players around and behind it.

Enea Mihaj

Not one of his better performances. The defensive organization that normally stands out in his game was missing for much of the night. He did make an important late clearance with Charlotte threatening, but Atlanta’s back three spent too much of the match scrambling.

Tomás Jacob

A poor first half followed by a much better second. His early giveaway put Atlanta under unnecessary pressure, but he became increasingly aggressive going forward after halftime and at times was operating more like a winger than a wingback. His late yellow card gave Charlotte one final dangerous set piece and means he will miss the next match. Even if the challenge did not look like a foul, he has to be smarter in that situation.

Will Reilly

Was fortunate to stay on the pitch after an early challenge that could easily have produced a red card. After receiving yellow instead, he pulled back considerably and played a more cautious defensive game. His aggression is part of his game, but he continues to operate dangerously close to the line.

Tristan Muyumba

Much better without the ball than with it. He made several strong tackles and gave Atlanta needed defensive resistance in midfield, but too many promising possessions slowed or ended with him on the ball. His defensive work was good. His distribution still needs improvement.

Cooper Sanchez

Atlanta’s strongest midfielder for much of the night. He looked increasingly composed after halftime and provided key crosses. There is still another level needed in his distribution, but he continues to look increasingly comfortable with the responsibility he is being given.

Miguel Almirón

A poor first half became a very good second. His passing remained inconsistent and several attacks broke down through misplaced balls, but he always puts in a shift. He created a dangerous free kick, became increasingly involved around the box and scored the equalizer with his right foot.

Alexey Miranchuk

Improved after halftime and produced several promising passes, but the expectation has to be higher. He is a Designated Player being asked to change matches, and too much of his involvement remains peripheral rather than decisive.

Fafà Picault

Worked hard and gave Atlanta more running than it had against Nashville, but did not produce the impact expected in a starter. He had opportunities around the box without making enough of them and continues to look more dangerous when introduced against tired defenders.

Subs

Luke Brennan

Entered in the 81st minute but made little noticeable impact. Atlanta spent much of the closing period defending, which limited his opportunities, but there was not enough involvement to meaningfully change the match.

Stian Gregersen

Entered late with Atlanta under sustained pressure and did what was required. He attacked balls in the box, cleared danger and helped Atlanta survive the final minutes without conceding.

Ignacio Suarez-Couri

Made his MLS debut under difficult circumstances. By the time he entered, Atlanta was largely pinned back, and he contributed to that effort from the right side. There was little opportunity to show much going forward, but he helped Atlanta protect the point.

Tata Martino

Several players were visibly tiring by around the 60th minute, yet Atlanta did not make its first substitution until the 81st and used only three substitutes. The comeback may have justified keeping some players on the field, but the lack of earlier changes left an exhausted team trying to survive heavy pressure late.

In the first moment I started to see tired players and we needed to tie the game. When we were about to make the first two changes we tied the game we tied the game and I thought to not touch anything in that moment and that’s what led to the back and forth with the substitutions. Tata Martino, Atlanta United Head Coach - Post-game Press Conference

VIPs of Atlanta Soccer · Jul 22, 2026 · 4 min read