Another zero point weekend for the Five Stripes.
Atlanta United suffered a second straight loss today, and it wasn’t pretty. A poor defensive effort resulted in three goals for NYCFC, which was more than enough to match Atlanta’s lone score. The loss ultimately moves Atlanta to 7th place on the table, one shy of a playoff spot. That being said, there is no need to panic as the season is very young. Let’s take a look at how it all went down.
Early goals in each half helped the boys in blue control momentum throughout the entire game. After predicting a great season for Atlanta United, David Villa ruined any chance of Atlanta having at least a great game. A beautiful run from NYCFC in the 17th resulted in four Atlanta defenders trailing behind Villa, and a one-on-one opportunity for The Pigeon’s leading scorer. As most soccer fans know, Villa almost always finds the back of the net on these opportunities. He did. ATL 0, NYC 1.
After 3 shots nearly missed, Carmona was finally able to score his first goal for Atlanta United. A fortunate bounce off a throw in led to an absolutely stunning volley that found the upper left corner. His attempt, which was the first shot on target for the Five stripes, could make a case for MLS Goal of the Week. ATL 1, NYC 1.
Halftime in the Bronx. At this point, the game was relatively even in all categories but the shot column, which was led by the boys in blue. This is where it gets ugly.
NYCFC came out for the second half in threatening manner with three chances in the first thirty seconds that somehow never found the net. Mears, Kann, and Gonzalez all had miraculous goal line saves that kept the game tied. The Pigeons kept attacking, but Kann wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Three great saves later, the defensive struggle finally punished Atlanta United. Ethan White crossed the ball to Rodney Wallace, who luckily back-heeled the ball into the goal. ATL 1, NYC 2.
When it rains, it pours.
Not even two minutes after the previous goal, NYCFC was celebrating again. A goal kick, header, and one pass later, Maximiliano Moralez put the nail in the coffin. ATL 1, NYC 3.
No effort was strong enough to bring Atlanta back into the game. Although possession was an even 50-50, New York took over two times the amount of shots than the Five Stripes. Perhaps we weren’t ready for such aggressive play after the match against a parked bus last week. Who knows. One thing is for sure though, I don’t want to see that again.