Gil’s Strike Seals New England’s Gritty Victory in Atlanta

By Alonso Contreras

It was a night of narrow margins and missed chances as Atlanta United fell 0-1 to the New England Revolution in a tightly contested Eastern Conference clash. Carles Gil’s first-half penalty proved the difference in a match where the hosts peppered the goal but couldn’t find the finishing touch.

First Half: Gil’s Composure Makes the Difference

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute, when Carles Gil calmly slotted home a penalty to the top left corner after a foul inside the box. With an xG of 77%, the Spanish playmaker made no mistake, giving New England a lead they would protect fiercely for the remainder of the match.

Before the goal, both sides traded chances in an energetic opening. Atlanta’s Emmanuel Latte Lath rattled the crossbar in the 25th minute with a powerful drive from the center of the box (xG 21%), while Miguel Almirón had a close-range shot saved just seconds later. Meanwhile, Brad Guzan stood tall at the other end, denying several attempts from Urruti and Gil to keep the hosts within striking distance.

Second Half: Atlanta Throws Everything Forward

The second half saw Atlanta United turn up the heat, but New England’s defense and goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic stood resolute. Alexey Miranchuk nearly equalized early on with a low effort that forced a smart save. Stian Gregersen and Bartosz Slisz both had chances from headers, while Latte Lath and Almirón saw shots blocked or deflected in a chaotic late-game push.

Perhaps the moment that summed up Atlanta’s frustration best came in the 85th minute, when Jamal Thiaré struck the right post with a close-range effort (xG 12%). It was the second time Atlanta was denied by the woodwork, and their inability to convert key opportunities proved costly.

Despite a flurry of late corners and attempts — including a double block in the 90'+1 minute on efforts from Almirón (xG 41%) and Latte Lath (xG 10%) — the Revs held on through nine tense minutes of stoppage time.

Standout Performers

• Carles Gil (New England): Cool under pressure, Gil’s penalty was clinical, and his set-piece delivery and control in midfield kept the visitors composed throughout.

• Aljaz Ivacic (New England): Came up big with several crucial saves and commanded his area well in a barrage of late Atlanta attacks.

• Brad Guzan (Atlanta): Despite the defeat, the veteran keeper made several sharp stops to keep the deficit at one.

Key Stats

• Total Shots: Atlanta United 22 – 13 New England

• Shots on Target: Atlanta 7 – 6 New England

• xG (Expected Goals): Atlanta 2.01 – 1.18 New England

• Corners: Atlanta 9 – 6 New England

What’s Next?

Atlanta will look to regroup after a frustrating night where the performance perhaps deserved more than the final scoreline. For New England, it’s a confidence-boosting road win anchored by discipline, timely interventions, and a moment of composure from their captain.

A tale of one penalty and countless near misses — this was a game Atlanta may long remember as the one that got away.