Charlotte FC 1-0 Atlanta United: Player ratings as Alcivar records an Olimpico goal

MLS expansion Charlotte FC team triumphed 1–0 over Atlanta United on Sunday after an Olimpico goal by Jordy Alcivar earned his side the three points at home and extended their winning streak to three. 

Charlotte dominated the game from the off, pushing numbers forward to force set pieces. On the third corner of the match, Jordy Alcivar stepped up to deliver his greatest goal yet. The player curved his right footed shot perfectly, finding the top right corner of the net.

Atlanta United attempted to retaliate, but the visiting side found it difficult to get one past Kahlina. United also suffered without some of their key players, notably playing without Josef Martinez, Ozzie Alonso and Luis Araujo. Alonso is recuperating from a torn ACL, while Martinez remains on the sidelines for six to eight weeks following knee surgery. 

The victory sees Charlotte move up to fifth place ub the Eastern Conference table with nine points in seven games. The teams both return to action on Saturday as Atlanta United hosts FC Cincinnati and Charlotte faces the New England Revolution.

Atlanta United player ratings

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Brad Guzan (GK) - 6/10 - Tough goal but misjudged the bend on the strike and failed to calculate accordingly.

Brooks Lennon (RB) - 6/10 - A miss at the back, lackluster when involved.

Alan Franco (CB) - 6.5/10 - Sloppy on the ball, lost possession way too easily but did make some necessary clearances.

George Campbell (CB) - 7.5/10 - Three key clearances made, secured the backline.

Andrew Gutman (LB) - 7.5/10 - Have seen him be stronger on the attack, but as involved as possible given the circumstances.

2. Midfielders

Santiago Sosa (CM) - 6/10 - Too sloppy on the ball and made no attempts to form part of the attack.

Miles Robinson (CM) - 6.5/10 - Much more is expected of a USMNT prospect, but did manage seven clearances to save Atlanta from a greater defeat.

Amar Sejdić (RM) - 7/10 - Worked hard in the midfield, but found it difficult to break with an offensive run. Had to be better in the absence of Martinez.

Marcelino Moreno (CAM) - 7.5/10 - Finally broke out of the midfield to reach Charlotte's box in the second half, managed two shots on target.

Thiago Almada (LM) - 8.5/10 - Strongest force for Atlanta United. Great at orchestrating player and manipulating space, needs a strong striker to connect with.

3. Forward

Dom Dwyer (F) - 6/10 - Big shoes to fill with Martinez out injured, but couldn't live up to the expectations. Showed no clear urgency to get the ball with one clear chance in 60+ minutes, and slow on the ball before losing possession.

4. Substitutes

Franco Ibarra (For Franco, '60) - 6/10 - Almost cost the team a penalty with a reckless hand ball inside the box.

Jake Mulraney (For Sejdić, '60) - 6/10 - 11 touches in 30+ minutes.

Ronaldo Cisneros (For Dwyer, '64) - 7/10 - Could've been better and faster to push forward.

Caleb Wiley (For Sosa, '80) - 8/10 - Quickly integrated himself before attempting a header into the goal.

Charlotte FC player ratings

5. Goalkeeper & defenders

Kristijan Kahlina (GK) - 7.5/10 - Made the necessary saves to maintain the clean sheet.

Jaylin Lindsey (RB) - 8.5/10 - Proactive in the final third, quickly became a crucial part of Charlotte's offensive efforts. His connection with Alcivar could be a great asset for the team.

Guzmán Corujo (CB) - 7.5/10 - Attentive at the back, two important clearances and three tackles.

Christian Fuchs (CB) - 6/10 - Weak from the captain, needs to be leading from the back instead of laying low to depend on others.

Joseph Mora (LB) - 6.5/10 - Two clearances, nothing special.

6. Midfielders

Jordy Alcivar (RW) - 8.5/10 - Early Olimpico goal to earn his side the lead, before connecting with Lindsey to continuously threaten on the attack.

Brandt Bronico (CM) - 7/10 - Active across the pitch, did his job.

Alan Franco (CAM) - 6/10 - Disappointing, lost control of the ball too easily while completing nothing.

Ben Bender (LW) - 7.5/10 - Has the potential to become a key player for Charlotte, involves himself in every play and active throughout the pitch wherever needed.

7. Forwards

Karol Świderski (F) - 7.5/10 - A couple threatening moments on the ball, but nothing standout from a player that should be delivering constantly.

Daniel Ríos (F) - 7/10 - Weaker part of the offense, managed only one shot on goal while depending on others to push forward.

8. Substitutes

Orrin McKinze Gaines (For Rios, '79) - 6/10 - Didn't help, didn't hinder.

Adam Armour (For Bender, '84) - N/A

Sergio Ruiz (For Alcivar, '84) - N/A

Christian Ortiz (For Świderski, '89) - 7/10 - Quickly came in and managed a shot.