Atlanta United 2-2 NE Revolution: Player ratings as Adam Buksa cancels out efforts by Almada and Araujo

The New England Revolution held Atlanta United to a 2-2 draw on Sunday, as goals from Adam Buksa canceled out efforts from Thiago Almada and Luiz Araujo. 

Thiago Almada kicked off the scoring at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, rifling a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom right corner of the net. The early lead inspired the hosts to push forward, and peg the New England Revolution back in their own half. 

But despite Atlanta United’s dominance, the Revolution found a way to get back into the game in the 29th minute. Carles Gil timed a pass to Adam Buksa perfectly, allowing the forward to find space inside the box before sending the ball to the opposite corner.

The Revolution returned to the pitch after the interval determined, getting their second goal just 10 minutes into the second half. Sebastian Lletget initiated the play, supplying Buska with a stunning left-footed pass to find the player on the left, before he struck past goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. Defenders Andrew Gutman and Alan Franco simply could not hold off the Revolution’s attack. 

But Atlanta United gave the visitors just a few minutes to celebrate. The hosts retaliated quickly, getting the equalizer via Luiz Araujo, who scored with a right-footed shot from the center of the box following a pass from Almada.

Despite dominating for the final 15 minutes of the match, the Revolution held on to the draw. 

The result keeps Atlanta United in seventh place on the Eastern Conference table, with the Revolution behind in 11th. 

1. Atlanta United

GK: Bobby Shuttleworth - 6.5/10 - Apparent that he is the substitute goalkeeper to Brad Guzan. Sloppy on the first goal, especially but made a few necessary saves.

RB: Brooks Lennon - 7.5/10 - Involved throughout on both ends of the pitch.

CB: Alan Franco - 6.5/10 - Terrible defending in the second goal, gave Buksa too much space inside the box before the striker scored.

CB: Alex DeJohn - 7/10 - Inconsistent defending. Sloppy at times, leaving others to take charge.

LB: Andrew Gutman - 6/10 - Understandably not at his best after a knock last weekend, but sloppy on the second goal. Very loose defending.

RW: Luiz Araújo - 8/10 - Took him a bit to get into the rhythm, but returned bigger and better in the second half. Scored the second goal, and played a supporting role.

CM: Matheus Rossetto - 7/10 - Active in the midfield, but no big contributions.

CAM: Marcelino Moreno - 7.5/10 - Made several, faced-paced runs towards the opponent's box but unlucky not to create anything.

CM: Franco Ibarra - 7/10 - Took on a defensive role.

LW: Thiago Almada - 9/10 - Proving to be well worth the money. Involved and eager from the start, getting a goal and assist. Constantly finding space and pushing forward.

F: Ronaldo Cisneros - 6.5/10 - Disappointing performance given his ability to impact games. Felt lost on the attack, depending too much on Almada and Araujo.

SUB: Emerson Hyndman (For Cisneros, '70) - 6/10 - No real impact.

SUB: Dom Dwyer (For Rossetto, '85) - N/A.

2. NE Revolution

GK: Matt Turner - 8/10 - Good overall performance, made several good saves. Cannot be blamed for the goals.

RB: Brandon Bye - 7.5/10 - Necessary coverage.

CB: Andrew Farrell - 7/10 - Panicked. Sloppy defending from inside the box.

CB: Henry Kessler - 7.5/10 - Solid defending, nine clearances.

LB: DeJuan Jones - 7/10 - Inconsistent in set pieces and high-pressured situations.

RW: Sebastian Lletget - 7/10 - Defended well at times, and managed the assist, but an underwhelming performance from a player that promises so much more.

CM: Matt Polster - 7.5/10 - Good defending, saved the Revolution from Atlanta's third goal.

CM: Tommy McNamara - 7.5/10 - Calm first half from the player before getting into it in the latter part of the second 45. Almost got the third goal, but hit the post.

LW: Emmanuel Boateng - 7/10 - Blended into the midfield the majority of the match, but provided a few good crosses into the box.

F: Carles Gil - 7/10 - More is expected from the 2021 league MVP. Played a supporting role, managed an assist.

F: Adam Buksa - 9.5/10 - Two goals.

SUB: Arnór Ingvi Traustason (For Lletget, 79) - 6/10 - Useless sub with 10 touches on the ball.

SUB: Justin Rennicks (For McNamara, '91) - N/A