The majority of the first half was quite even between the two sides. Both teams had their fair share of chances, each of them converting one. The Union were effective at putting goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo to work early, forcing turnovers and keeping the ball in Atlanta’s box.
Atlanta also looked dangerous on the counter attack after the Union misplaced a pass, with $16 million signing Thiago Almada breaking at pace and slipping in his attackers. Atlanta ended the half with 57% possession and with 10 shots, 2 more than the Union. Jim Curtin credited Mikael Uhre’s 48th minute goal with changing the momentum in the match, saying that “right before half, that [goal] takes a little bit out of them, [it] gets our crowd back into it.