Atlanta United Avoids Early Red Card, Beats LAFC 5-0

ATLANTA (AP) — Miguel Almiron had two goals and one assist, helping Atlanta United beat Los Angeles FC 5-0 on Saturday for its fourth consecutive victory.

Atlanta United defender Chris McCann was shown a red card in the first minute, but referee Ted Unkel reduced the penalty to a yellow after video review.

Atlanta (4-0-1) then took the lead in the 17th minute when Julian Gressel punched home Almiron's low cross.

Gressel fed Josef Martinez with a cross in the 50th minute for a header that made it 2-0. It was Martinez's fifth goal of the season and his 24th in his first 25 games — an MLS record.

LAFC (2-2-0) conceded two penalties in the final 10 minutes, both converted by Almiron, and Joao Moutinho was sent off in the 92nd minute for his second yellow card. Romario Williams added another goal in the final minute of stoppage time.

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