Goalkeeper Bill Hamid and midfielder Luciano Acosta have been named to the MLS Team of the Week following their standout performances in United's 3-1 victory over Atlanta United at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Sunday, April 30. Hamid stopped numerous point-blank shots to deny Atlanta early scores and later preserve United's lead, while Acosta proved too much to handle on the attack, sparking the Black-and-Red's offense and earning Man of the Match honors thanks to his goal and assist.
Hamid made six saves and claimed one cross against Atlanta and was a difference maker when it came to shutting down the expansion side's attack. Atlanta jumped out at the opening whistle immediately pushing for a goal, but Hamid's early heroics and huge save against Hector Villalba helped the Black-and-Red avoid conceding and early score. Hamid was again called upon to make a big-time save as the match approached it's end and Atlanta threw everything they had into the attack. The Homegrown player punched away a dangerous shot to maintain United's two-goal lead. This is the fifth time this season Hamid has made five or more saves during a match and the second time this season he has received MLS Team of the Week Honors.
"Bill was incredible—he came up with some huge early saves for us and had a great performance overall," United head coach Ben Olsen said following the match. "I'm pleased with how Bill hung in there and made some great saves."
While Hamid kept the Black-and-Red strong in the defensive third, Luciano Acosta catalyzed United in the attacking third. For the second time in his career, Acosta scored and recorded an assist, giving the Argentine his third goal and first assist of 2017.
His goal gave the Black-and-Red the lead entering halftime, while his through-ball to Sébastien Le Toux is United's top assist of the year thus far. In his 65 minutes played, Acosta put two shots on target, created four chances, and won three fouls, leading the team in all three categories.
"I thought Lucho was great in the first 60 minutes," said Olsen in his post-match press conference. "His ability to relieve pressure, especially on the counterattack, is always going to be a big part of the game."
In addition to United's MLS Team of the Week honors, head coach Ben Olsen was also named the MLS Coach of the Week. Check out the rest of the team below.
