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Overturned goal, Guzan red card highlight Atlanta United's 2-0 loss to Sporting KC

Kevin Kratz missed out on a pair of mirror-image free kicks in the 83rd and 86th minutes, foiling United's efforts to extend its unbeaten streak to nine matches.

ATLANTA—It began as a hyped clash of first-place clubs, but ended with a collective thud.

On Wednesday night, before a large crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sporting Kansas City, effectively halting Five Stripes' unbeaten streak at eight matches.

Even with the loss, United (22 points) remains atop the MLS's Eastern Conference, leading New York City FC and Orlando City SC by two and three points, respectively.

The teams were scoreless for the entire first half, but there was plenty of game-changing action during that span. For starters, a 6th-minute Five Stripes goal from Josef Martinez was overturned by a video review (offsides); and at the 34-minute mark, an outside-the-box slide tackle from United goalkeeper Brad Guzan resulted in a crucial red card, forcing a major lineup shakeup.

In Guzan's stead, rookie Paul Christensen—an Extreme Hardship call-up during the week—played in goal for the rest of the match.

One more consequence: With the Wednesday red card, Guzan will be ineligible for Sunday's road match versus Orlando City SC.

Sporting KC opened the scoring at the 67-minute mark, result of Daniel Salloi splitting two United defenders before finding the net. Moments later, United had two golden chances to knot the score at 1, but ultimately missed on seemingly identical free kicks from Kevin Kratz at the 83rd and 86th minutes. Both attempts were thwarted by Sporting KC goalkeeper by Tim Melia.

Immediately after the second free kick, Gerso Fernandes added an insurance goal for Sporting KC, which expanded its formidable Western Conference lead to seven points with the victory.

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