Brad Guzan prepares for defense of the Atlanta goal against NYCFC. (photo credit: Jim Stapp)
Atlanta United remain unbeaten this season at home as they came away with a 2-2 draw against NYCFC in front of 45,001 fans. Twice Atlanta United had a goal lead and the resilient visitors proved why they are one the best teams in MLS with an answer each time to earn a valuable point on the road. Playing in one of the best atmospheres in the MLS NYCFC showed poise and remained true to their plan, controlling possession and creating scoring chances.
According to head coach Patrick Vieira, “The atmosphere is the best in the league. I think they stand out really high for the other teams to follow behind. This is part of improving the league and it is good to play football on a field like that.” He goes on to say, “It is a soccer atmosphere. I think it is important for international journalists to come over and to look at the stadium, to look at the quality of the games because I think the game today was a really good game of football. Tactically, it was really interesting and this is good for MLS.”
Scoring
Atlanta United open the scoring in the 29th minute on a counter attack. Miguel Almirón to was driving forward on the attack and took a strike from the top of the box. NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson blocked the shot, however, he was unable to cover it and Atlanta defender Greg Garza was there punch the rebound in for his first goal of the season.
"Like a freight train"
Another electric counterattack for #ATLUTD to make it 1-0 ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/zvCCZYv7Iq
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 15, 2018
Chris McCann scored his first goal for the five stripes in the 56th minute. He headed in a cross from Miguel Almirón to restore the lead early in the second half. McCann has moved from his long held position in the midfield to help stabilize the defensive backline. His move to this role has seen him blossom into a valuable part of the Atlanta defense.
First goal for the 5-Stripes.
Congrats, @cjmccann7! pic.twitter.com/GrOCKbgdNn
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 16, 2018
Personnel Details
Ezequiel Barco makes his first appearance in the 70th minute. The Argentine phenome has just returned from the long injury recovery and was looking to find his match fitness and rhythm.
Atlanta United head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino on the debut for Barco, “I think that he looked good. Physically, I thought he looked fine. He was dynamic. I think that he was missing a little bit in his precision and when he came on we went to four midfielders and we had Nagbe and Jeff (Larentowicz) playing inside with Barco on the right and Miguel (Almirón) on the left.”
Barco spoke after the game and had praise for the fans and the atmosphere, “It’s always great to come here with the support of the crowd. It’s a beautiful experience to play here. They never stop chanting the whole game and it just gives you more excitement to come and play in front of them.”
Ezequiel Barco prepares to strike a the ball on a set piece against NYCFC. (photo credit: Jim Stapp)
Kevin Kratz started for the first time this season. The native German has been a late game substitute for Coach Tata Martino in the past. The injury to Hector “Tito” Villalba called on a slight adjustment in the roles. After the match, Martino had praise from Kratz, “I thought he played really well. I took him out because I thought he looked really tired around the 70th minute. I think that is normal because he is a guy who usually comes off the bench and doesn’t play 90 minutes, but I thought he had a really good game.”
Kevin Kratz battles for the ball against NYCFC. (photo credit: Jim Stapp)
Line-ups
Atlanta United
- GK: Brad Guzan
- Defenders (3): Chris McCann, Michael Parkhurst, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez
- Midfielders (5): Greg Garza, Jeff Larentowicz, Darlington Nagbe, Kevin Kratz (Ezequiel Barco – 69’), Julian Gressel
- Forwards (2): Miguel Almirón, Josef Martinez
Unused Substitutes
- Alec Kann, Sal Zizzo, Miles Robinson, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Brandon Vazquez, Romario Williams
New York City FC
- GK: Sean Johnson
- Defenders (4): Ben Sweat, Anton Tinnerholm, Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callens
- Midfielders (3): Yangel Herrera, Alexander Ring, Maxi Moralez
- Forwards (3): Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (David Villa – 35’), Jo Inge Berget (Rodney Wallace – 61’), Jesus Medina (Ronald Mataritta – 86’)
Unused Substitutes
- Brad Stuver, Cédric Hountondji, Ebenezer Ofori, Thomas McNamara
Up Next
Atlanta United returns to action when they travel to the city of Angels and have their first trip to StubHub Center to face Zlatan Ibrahimović and the LA Galaxy. The match is Saturday, April 21 kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m.
