Atlanta United dropped three points Wednesday night as they fell to New York City FC 1-0 at Red Bull Arena. While Brad Guzan had six saves, the team’s unbeaten streak came to an end after five matches.
In the 4′ minute of action, NYCFC wasted no time pressuring Atlanta United’s backline. On a counterattack, New York’s Jesus Medina had a 1 v 1 chance with goalkeeper Brad Guzan. But Guzan stood tall and blocked his attempt.
In the first 20 minutes, Atlanta had difficulty keeping the ball out of their own half. Part of that struggle came from constantly playing out the back. It was obvious the lads were tired after just playing a match Sunday, but constantly playing from the defensive third and consistent man-marking had the players spent. “Yeah, we certainly didn’t look sharp,” said Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan. “We can’t use that as an excuse. It is what it is. That’s the schedule. We need to find a way to be better.
George Bello was able to find Erik López inside the box a few minutes later but López’s shot was deflected by NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson. With Josef Martinez away at the Copa América and Cubo Torres still searching for form, Atlanta United was out of options in attack and they played that way.
In the 66′ minute, Ezequiel Barco sent a free kick near post, but it was deflected by Sean Johnson. Keaton Parks gathered an errant pass in the midfield and quickly found Valentín Castellanos pacing towards goal. Castellanos then played Ismael Tajouri-Shradi into the box where he snuck a low effort past Guzan to break the deadlock
Atlanta (2-2-5, 11 points) returns to action this Sunday, June 27 against New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (3:30 p.m. ET, Bally Sports South, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game, La Mejor).
-Jon J.
Photo: Courtesy of ATL UTD