Atlanta United came out of the Leagues Cup break well rested and played attacking as they challenged the Western Conference leaders for 75 minutes on Saturday night. The two teams played out a thrilling game, but LA Galaxy scored two last-minute goals to dent Atlanta’s confidence and keep the three points.

Riqui Puig finally broke a goalless deadlock that lasted 75 minutes. Galaxy newcomer and world-class star Marco Reus played a role as a second-half substitute. On the ball, Reus showed patience to shake up Atlanta United’s defense and create space for his new teammate. Puig received the pass from Reus and slammed a stunning strike into the net to give the home side the lead.

Reus followed up his first MLS assist with his first MLS goal in the 84th minute. He started the play and eventually received the ball back in the middle of the 16-yard box. Reus’ initial shot was blocked by Atlanta United goalkeeper Guzan, but the German midfielder converted his own rebound to double the Galaxy’s lead.

Especially in the last 15 minutes, when Reus was on the pitch and Galaxy had the game under control. In their retro jerseys, Greg Vanney’s team featured several dynamic players. It was two of these stars who took the first shots on goal of the game for LA First, Gabriel Pec in the eighth minute. Two minutes later, Riqui Puig made space with a quick change of pace. That shot lacked the power to slide past Guzan.

Despite LA’s many weapons, Atlanta United have been dangerous against first-place teams this season, as they proved on May 29 when they beat Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami CF 3-1, also away from home. Atlanta came into Saturday’s match full of energy and momentum after a break of over a month during the Leagues Cup, so long the group dubbed it a “mini preseason.”

If there was one positive to come out of that 2-0 loss, it was that Atlanta United held on for 75 minutes, making it tough at times for one of the league’s best teams. But with eight games left in the regular season and Atlanta on the playoff line, there isn’t much time for moral victories.

A complicated triangle passing game in the final third nearly resulted in Atlanta’s first goal. Jay Fortune played a tight ball to Pedro Amador, who was running behind LA’s back line. The defender played a low cross to Jamal Thiaré, who was lurking near the goal line. Thiaré slotted the ball in, but the offside flag was up.

Fortune was first team on more than one occasion and in the 26th minute the Homegrown shot confidently and well but over the bar. In the 30th minute Fortune capitalized on a quick transition that put Atlanta United up the pitch but his shot was blocked.

Despite conceding two goals, it was a strong night overall for Guzan. In the 67th minute, LA Galaxy were awarded a penalty. LA striker Joseph Paintsil shot the ball low to the right. The Atlanta United goalkeeper waited until the last moment to pounce. The veteran was right and made a brilliant save to keep the game 0-0.

And Atlanta United showed good defense in some moments, including when LA played a long ball over the top to Paintsil in the 54th minute. Stian Gregersen showed poise and speed, running back to slow the game down. The center back didn’t lose his focus and eventually fired the ball away to stop Galaxy’s attack.

It felt like Atlanta could score — either through a long-range shot from Saba Lobjanidze or a kick from Jamal Thairé, who always seemed ready to sneak behind the Los Angeles defense. Atlanta had more expected goals in the first half, 1.32 to 0.55, but LA finished the game with 4.15 expected goals compared to Atlanta’s 1.92. The Galaxy finished the game with 20 shots, Atlanta with 17.

But the final action was lacking at times for Atlanta United. In the 10th minute, Atlanta almost capitalized on LA when Fortune played a ball behind the back to Xande Silva. The winger had space to point at his goal, but the shot went straight to LA goalkeeper John McCarthy. Of the two best chances involving Thiaré, one was ruled out for offside. The other was denied by McCarthy when Atlanta United almost scored from the kickoff early in the second half.

Atlanta United had their chances but couldn’t capitalise on them, and when you’re playing against a team fighting for the Supporters’ Shield, you have to make the most of your opportunities.

Both clubs’ top signings during the summer transfer window came on in the second half and made their MLS debuts. Alexey Miranchuk came on for Atlanta United. The midfielder joined the club from Atalanta of Italy’s Serie A and is expected to be a strong goalscorer for Atlanta’s attack. We saw Pedro Amador during the Leagues Cup, but the new full-back signed this summer also made his MLS debut for Atlanta on Saturday.

On the other hand, Reus also made his league debut. The midfielder signed in Los Angeles after a successful career with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

It’s back-to-back away games as the 5-Stripes continue their trip to the West Coast with another away game this weekend. However, the next one comes a little closer to home. Atlanta stays on the same coast and travels north to face Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on August 31st, beginning the next chapter of this budding rivalry.

Then Atlanta United has two consecutive home games: