MLS: Atlanta United beat FC Dallas in new stadium opener, Seattle and Columbus held at home
Monday 11 September 2017 08:18, UK
Atlanta United got back to winning ways in MLS on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over FC Dallas in front of a sell-out crowd at their new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Georgia side put on a dominant performance with goals from Josef Martinez, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez and Greg Garza to end a seven-week winless streak.
Shared with 2016 Super Bowl runners-up the Atlanta Falcons, the stadium's repeatedly delayed opening meant United's first nine home matches were played at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd ground.
Two other games were rescheduled for later in the season and the mixed-up timetable meant Atlanta were down three home matches on every other team in the Eastern Conference.
Sunday's victory boosts Atlanta's hopes of reaching the play-offs, although they remain tied sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference.
In Seattle, the Sounders drew 1-1 against LA Galaxy with an 85th-minute equaliser, extending their unbeaten streak to a club record of 12 games.
Lamar Neagle's leveller cancelled out a 25th-minute opener by Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes, denying former Sounders coach Sigi Schmid a win on his return to Washington state.
In Ohio, Ola Kamara scored his 15th goal of the season, ensuring Columbus Crew SC drew 1-1 with visitors Sporting Kansas City.
Watch live MLS action with Vancouver Whitecaps v Columbus Crew live on Sky Sports Football from 12am on Sunday, followed by Real Salt Lake v Portland Timbers.