WATCH: Herediano Seizes Control vs. Atlanta United in CCL First Leg
Defending MLS champions Atlanta United got quite the wake-up call when it came into Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero, getting hammered 3-1 by Herediano on Thursday night in their round-of-16 first leg in the Concacaf Champions League.
Herediano got on the scoreboard early when a poor defensive header that put Jose Guillermo Ortiz through on goal and the Costa Rican made no mistake by chipping Brad Guzan for a fantastic first goal.
It went from bad to worse in the 35th minute when the Atlanta defense fell asleep again and allowed Randall Azofeifa to go one-on-one with Guzan and slot home to double Herediano's advantage.
Atlanta United was able to get a crucial away goal when Julian Gressel curled home a shot that appeared to be deflected shortly before halftime, but Herediano would go on to restore its two-goal lead off a well-worked free kick.
The two teams will come to Atlanta to play the second leg on Thursday, Feb. 28.
