D.C. United showed us they can beat up on one of MLS’s run-of-the-mill clubs last week, but in Wayne Rooney’s first start, Atlanta United showed them how much work they have left to do in a 3-1 loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Zoltan Stieber’s 4th goal of the season gave the Black-and-Red an early lead, but Josef Martinez — who controversially avoided suspension after a headbutt last week — took over, posting a hat trick with goals in the 30th, 53rd, and 73rd minutes.
Ben Olsen made just one change to the team that defeated Vancouver in Audi Field’s first-ever game, and it was a big one.