ATL United vs NYCFC: What you need to know

 

 

Atlanta United is looking to get back to their winning ways after a disappointing 3-1 loss last Sunday.

Tomorrow, The Five Stripes travel to Yankee Stadium to take on David Villa and The Boys in Blue. Here is what you need to know about NYCFC:

  • The Leading Scorer:

 #7 David Villa leads in the scoring category for The Pigeons.  Villa, or “El Guaje”, has been an offensive threat in the MLS since he signed in 2014, leading his team in scoring for two seasons after finding the net a combined 41 times. 23 of the 41 goals came in 2016, making him the runner up for the Golden Boot award. This season he has scored five goals on 30 shots.

How does this compare to Atlanta United?

Josef Martinez leads in scoring for ATL with five goals, but has missed the last 5 matches due to a left quad injury.

  • The Goalkeeper:

Sean Johnson, who was born in Atlanta, was acquired by NYCFC in a trade from Atlanta United on December 11th. In eight games, Johnson has chalked up two shutouts and has saved 21/30 shots for the boys in blue.

How does this compare to Atlanta United?

In eight games, Alec Kann boasts 2 shutouts and has saved 28/39 shots for the five stripes.

  • The Venue

Yankee Stadium is a beautiful park to play baseball, however it’s not an ideal place to play soccer. Although the pitch is shorter and narrower than most, this could benefit the five stripes. Atlanta United took 26 shots against D.C. last week, so if they can create an equal amount of chances on a shorter field, they should be able to find the back of the net a few times.

  • The Fans

Playing in a baseball stadium has many downsides, but it allows the fans to fill the stands. During each match, an average of 40,000+ fans turn Yankee Stadium into a sea of blue. NYCFC also has the MLS’ only all-female support group, and The Blue Ladies show up loud and proud for every home game. This team is still fairly new, so this is a growing fan base that creates a hostile environment for every home game.

 

Two explosive offenses that bring lots of energy to the table will put the back lines to the test in this week’s match up. NYCFC is currently sitting at 4th on the table with 13 points and a 4-1-3 record. A three-point weekend for Atlanta would boost them 14 points and could ultimately move them into 4th in the Eastern Conference.  While we’re expecting a fight, I know we will be ready. Let’s fight together, United.

 

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