ATLANTA (AP) — Thiago Almada had a hand in three goals, Xande Silva added a goal and an assist and Atlanta United cruised to a 4-0 victory over Nashville SC on Saturday night.
Silva scored his first career goal in his second appearance to give Atlanta United (11-7-8) a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. Almada notched his 12th assist of the season on the score, tying Carles Gil of the New England Revolution for the league lead.
Silva returned the favor in the first minute of the second half, assisting on Almada’s ninth goal this season for a 2-0 advantage. Giorgos Giakoumakis also had an assist on the score.
Almada took over the assists lead in the 57th minute on a goal by defender Miles Robinson, his first of the season and just his second in seven seasons with the club.
Saba Lobjanidze scored his first career goal unassisted in his first appearance to complete the scoring in the 87th minute.
Brad Guzan needed just one save to earn the clean sheet for Atlanta United. Joe Willis saved seven shots for Nashville (11-9-5).
Atlanta United snapped a seven-match winless streak against Nashville in all competitions. Nashville had scored multiple goals in all seven matches during its 4-0-3 run in the series.
Nashville has lost four straight matches for the first time in club history. Nashville was 1-5-0 in its six matches prior to breaking for the Leagues Cup.
Atlanta United has won four of its last six matches after posting just two victories in its previous 11.
Atlanta United will host FC Cincinnati on Wednesday. Nashville will travel to play Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on Wednesday.
____
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport
