De Boer also praised the play of Josef and Pity Martinez, who combined for Atlanta’s lone goal of the match.
Goals from Jordan Morris and Joao Paulo put the Sounders up early, but the MLS side coughed up two unanswered goals.
The second leg will be played at Red Bull Arena Feb. 26
The field doubled to 16 teams for the second edition of the competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs
As a 16-year-old, Rodriguez spent the entirety of last season with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, starting 16 games
The 22-year-old made three starts in seven total appearances in league play last season for the Crew
The 17-year-old forward has represented the Galaxy Academy at various levels, including U-18/19 and U-16/17
This is the first time Ali Krieger has been named to the allocation list since 2017 under new coach Vlatko Andonovski.
Any player receiving 66.7 percent or higher will earn their place in the Hall of Fame
Matej Oravec and Jose Martinez are locked in a competition for a Philadelphia Union starting role.