Atlanta United Miguel Almirón looks to make an impact in the 3-1 win over New York City FC before a record crowd of 70,526 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Photo: Jim Stapp)
Atlanta United dispatch New York City FC to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Atlanta United lead New York City FC from end to end in front of a record crowd of 70,526 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. New York City FC were unable to get the early break through they needed to turn the tide. Atlanta grabbed a two goal lead which gave them a three goal lead on aggregate which proved too much to overcome. Josef Martínez added the third goal completing a brace to put the match out of reach late.
New York was able to grab a goal late in the first half and dominated possession the second half. However, they rarely troubled Atlanta goalie Brad Guzan’s goal with two shots on target, both within the first ten minutes of the second half. Most of the possession was spent in the middle third away from the Atlanta third.
Atlanta United head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino spoke about the keys to the victory, “I think in the first half especially we saw the best side of the team because we were good with the ball, we spent more time in the opponents side of the field. We managed the first half well, and I think the half was exclusively of Atlanta. We were able to get a couple goals advantage and they get a fortunate play to score right before half. In the second half it was different. They had more of the ball and we were only able to get out on the counter attack. But I don’t think we ever lost our defensive order.”
Scoring Details
Atlanta United 1 New York City FC 0 – – Josef Martínez (penalty) 25′
Defender Franco Escobar was brought down in the box by Ismael Tajouri-Shradi after receiving a beautiful pass from Darlington Nagbe. Josef Martínez stepped up to the spot and did his now familiar high step and calmly slid the ball the right corner beating NYCFC goalie Sean Johnson who guessed left.
RUTHLESS.@JosefMartinez17 makes it look easy ? https://t.co/1xMg60te0C
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 11, 2018
Atlanta United 2 New York City FC 0 – – Miguel Almirón 42′
Miguel Almirón was fouled about 25 yards in front of the goal when he was pulled down from behind. His free kick was placed directly in the center of the pitch, where Almirón beautifully looped the ball around and over the left side of the wall and into the upper left corner to leave keeper Sean Johnson little chance to make a save.
Unstoppable. Unbelievable.
Miguel Almirón with the absolute screamer of a free kick! https://t.co/ltfJAYLdR9
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 11, 2018
Atlanta United 2 New York City FC 1 – – Maxime Chanot 45′
A mistake from Atlanta defender Franco Escobar left NYCFC defender Maxime Chanot unmarked on a free kick that bounced off the defensive wall, allowing Chanot to head it into an empty net.
Atlanta United 3 New York City FC 1 – – Josef Martínez (Eric Remedi) 83′
Josef Martínez put the game away late when Atlanta mid-fielder Eric Remedi sent a through ball for Martinez. Martínez played the ball down with his chest, and was kept on-side by a NYCFC midfielder Valentín Castellanos. Martínez patiently waited to settle the ball before crushing a right footed shot past Johnson.
That ball from @Eric_Remedi
That strike from @JosefMartinez17Can't. Stop. Watching. ? pic.twitter.com/0ISHNpQWw4
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 12, 2018
Squad Details
Eric Remedi proved again to be the key to disrupting the flow. Atlanta United head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino praised his both his offense and defense, “He’s a holding midfielder, and he is very accustomed to the role he is playing in the last two games. Over the course of the season he has been playing mostly with Jeff Larentowicz, but he is in a position now where he is flanked by two different midfielders. He is also very gifted technically, and you saw that on the assist he played to Josef Martinez.”
Atlanta captain defender Michael Parkhurst spoke about Eric Remedi’s performance against Maximiliano Moralez, “He’s fantastic. He put in a ton of work. He covered a lot of ground tonight. Max (Moralez) is one of the best tens in the game and shutting him down. Shutting him down is a big key to success against New York City, and Eric was all over the place. A really good performance.”
Atlanta United Eric Remedi lies on the pitch after being fouled by NYCFC’s Maxi Morales in the 3-1 win in front of a record crowd of 70,526 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Conference Semi-Finals. (Photo: Jim Stapp)
Line-ups
Atlanta United
- GK: Brad Guzan
- Defenders (3): Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Michael Parkhurst, Miles Robinson
- Midfielders (5): Greg Garza, Eric Remedi, Darlington Nagbe (Kevin Kratz 89′), Julian Gressel, Franco Escobar
- Forwards (2): Josef Martinez (Tito Villalba – 86′), Miguel Almirón (Ezequiel Barco – 84′)
Unused Substitutes
- Alec Kann, George Bello, Andrew Carleton, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu
New York City FC
- GK:Sean Johnson
- Defenders (4):Ben Sweat, Alexander Callens, Maxime Chanot, Anton Tinnerholm
- Midfielders (2):Yangel Herrera (Valentine Castellanos – HT), Alexander Ring
- Midfielders (1):Maxi Moralez
- Forward (3): Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, Jesus Medina, David Villa
Unused Substitutes
- Brad Stuver, Sebastien Ibeagha, Ebenezer Ofori, Ronald Matarrita, Rodney Wallace, Eloi Amagat
Up Next
Atlanta United hosts the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 5:00 p.m. when the first leg of the Eastern Conference Finals comes to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
