Atlanta United manager Gabriel Heinze was delighted with the efforts of his players after they became the first team to prevent Seattle Sounders from winning at home in the new MLS season. Gabriel Heinze and his players left it late to claim a 1-1 draw at the home of the reigning MLS Cup finalists.
Atlanta United have made it a habit of scoring late goals in recent games. Marcelino Moreno was the matchwinner in the penultimate league game for Atlanta United after he struck the all-important goal in stoppage time to hand his team a 1-0 win over Montreal Impact last week. The MLS outfit then made it two late goals in two straight league matches with the penalty goal from Josef Martinez against Sounders.
On the recent trend of his team scoring late goals, Heinze told reporters in his post-match press conference that scoring late goals is as a result of the belief and the fighting spirit in his team rather than a habit as he lauded the resolve shown by his players against a quality team like Seattle Sounders.
Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan also praised his team for the point earned against Sounders. After the game, he told reporters that Sounders are a difficult team to play against as they work hard on the pitch, get men behind the ball and also have good players in the attacking areas. The former Aston Villa shot stopper also said that the late penalty goal from Martinez would give him confidence ahead of the rest of the season having just recovered from a long-term knee injury. His goal ensured that Gabriel Heinze and his players left Lumen Field with a point.