Atlanta United hosted the reverse fixture with New York City Football Club in front of another sold-out crowd (the club’s fifth straight).
Miguel Almirón found himself back on the scoresheet in the 15′ after a beautiful low cross from Julian Gressel. But the scoring didn’t stop there, just three minutes after Miggy’s goal, Tito Villalba finessed a strike from distance into the top right corner.
The goals just kept on coming as Julian Gressel mowed over a defender on a free ball and centered the ball to Miggy who scored on a simple tap in from about five yards away. In the 23′ the Five Stripes found themselves up three-nil with two goals by Miggy and two assists from Gressel.
The second half was a different story for United. The squad was nowhere near as fluid with the ball as they were in the first. The first half featured pacey, timed runs and a nonstop attack, but lazy play in the midfield killed the few chances they came across.
Unfortunately, NYCFC’s Jack Harrison spoiled the party and nabbed a goal in the 71′ to ruin the clean sheet for Alec Kann. My Man of the Match goes to everyone’s favorite, Miguel “Miggy” Almirón.
With the 3-1 victory, United move to 7th in the East with a shocking Goal Differential of 10. They also lead the conference in total goals scored with 27.
The Five Stripes will be back in action June 17 against Columbus Crew at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps will host Atlanta United this Saturday, June 3.
Atlanta United Stats:
9 Shots
3 Shots On Target
1 Corners
4 Offsides
73.8% Passing Accuracy
43% Possession
NYCFC Stats:
9 Shots
3 Shots On Target
5 Corners
7 Offsides
81% Passing Accuracy
57% Possession
-Jon J.
Photo: X