Atlanta United lost 1-0 to New York Red Bulls on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta is still looking for their first regular-season win against the Red Bulls.
Atlanta dominated first half possession but were unable to reap any goals from it. Fans were able to catch their first glimpse of new Designated Player signing Marcelino Moreno. The new No. 10 looked comfortable in his position and had an above average debut for the five stripes.
Just after the break, the Red Bulls earned their first goal in a bit of a controversial situation. 17-year-old Caden Clark took his chance from the top of the box that beat Brad Guzan in traffic. Once Clark took his shot, two Red Bulls players were in offside positions with one, Danny Royer, appearing to obstruct Guzan’s line of sight. We initially thought it would go to video review but the referee chose to play on.
Atlanta United’s best chance at getting on the score sheet came in the 55′ minute. Jon Gallagher was on the receiving end of a pass from a beautiful run from Jeff Larentowicz. Gallagher dribbled a bit too long inside the box (with Jurgen Damm begging for the ball) and his shot was deflected.
In the 59′ minute, New York’s Kyle Duncan turned George Bello in the attacking third and sent a low curler with his left foot that just bounced outside the far post.
At just about the 80′ minute, the match turned into a chess game between the two coaches. The Red Bulls made their last substitution to stack a total of three center backs in defense. Atlanta United countered this action by bringing on Manuel Castro for Jeff Larentowicz and pushing him forward alongside striker Adam Jahn.
Yearwood tried to finish off the home side by launching a rocket from 25-yards out that beat Brad Guzan but bounced off the post back into play.
The five stripes had one final opportunity to bring the game level in extra time. With the keeper out of position, Gallagher took a shot just inside the box that deflected off the back of the keeper for an ensuing corner kick that fell flat.
Atlanta United’s failure to score tonight can be directly tied to their single shot on goal. While their passing accuracy and possession were sufficient, in the end, they just didn’t create many chances (even with seven corner kicks).
The five stripes hit the road next Wednesday, October 14, to face Inter Miami CF in Miami, Fl.
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD