Defender Alan Franco scored his first-ever goal for Atlanta United in the 3-2 win over D.C. United on August 28. On a corner kick from Thiago Almada, Franco leapt to deliver a header past D.C. United's flying goalkeeper. The goal opened Atlanta United's scoring in the 49th minute and momentarily evened the match.
Franco joined Atlanta United in 2021 from Club Atlético Independiente of the Argentine Primera División. While Atlanta United has been hit with injury bug this season, especially on the backline, Franco has been a steady presence in the back. He's made 24 appearances this season and wore the captain's armband for the second consecutive match Sunday against D.C.
"I felt that Alan Franco's goal was outstanding," head coach Gonzalo Pineda said after the match. "It was a very good goal."
As a true center back, Franco hasn't scored many goals in his career. The goal against D.C. United was his first goal in five years. He last scored in 2017 when he was with Club Atlético Independiente of the Argentine Primera División.
Watch Alan Franco's first career goal here:
