There's just something about a comeback against New York City FC that ignites the 5-Stripes. Down at two separate points in the match, Atlanta United were determined and responded twice. They pushed for a winner but came up short, drawing 2-2 with NYCFC in a physical, end-to-end fixture.
What happened
Atlanta United immediately pressured backup goalkeeper Tomás Romero, forcing him into an uncomfortable interaction within a minute of play.
New York City jumped out ahead in the 4th minute from a series of squared passes across the box. Andres Perea was in line to receive a chance right at the 6-yard box, and the ball deflected into the net off his marker Matt Edwards.
Romero bobbled a Luke Brennan cross in the 8th minute as the 5-Stripes looked to quickly get things even, but Breel Embolo couldn't close in on the ball before it was cleared.
They did end up responding in the 10th minute off a corner kick. Elías Báez whipped a ball to Enea Mihaj, who flicked on a header to the back post. Tomás Jacob was in the right spot to put the ball back across to the near post. There, Giuliano Galoppo was well positioned to tap in the slow roller. Inside the first quarter hour, it was 1-1.
The match settled into a back-and-forth affair over the remainder of the first half, with frantic football from both sides. Chances through on goal were plentiful, but they were hardly from ideal angles. Both defenses stayed disciplined, blocking shots left and right.
Coming out of the break, both teams had everything to play for in a match with heavy playoff implications. NYCFC's possession advantage did allow them more time to create, but Atlanta had registered threatening chances of their own.
The visitors had the first real chance of the second half when the ball fell to Nico Cavallo with a small window to get a shot off at the near post. He lifted the ball, but it went over the bar.
Tomás Jacob exited the match in the 55th minute, making way for Atlanta United 2 player Daniel Chica to make his MLS debut.
In the 56th, New York City took the lead back. Another squared ball cost the 5-Stripes, and Perea was open in the box to hit a shot past Lucas Hoyos. The 2-1 scoreline was deserved, and Atlanta United would have to dig deep to find their way back once more.
During a milestone appearance, Jay Fortune came in clutch for Atlanta United. Tristan Muyumba settled a Brennan cross and fed the ball back to Fortune. On a night where he became the club's all-time leader in appearances by a Homegrown player, he created another signature moment, striking a low ball that beat Romero. It was suddenly 2-2 in the 75th minute, and the 5-Stripees had all the expectation to push for a winner.
The remaining minutes of the match felt massive. Two teams were vying for a playoff spot, both believing they could be the one to break the deadlock.
Chica took a big hit near the corner in the 90th minute that forced him off the pitch and left the 5-Stripes down a man for their final push. Nothing came of it, and the sides shared the result on the evening.
Milestones
- In his first home appearance with Atlanta United, Giuliano Galoppo scored his first goal with the club. The Argentine made an instant impact in the 10th minute.
- Jay Fortune made a substitute cameo, becoming the club's joint leader in appearances by a Homegrown player. The midfielder tied former 5-Stripe Caleb Wiley at 85 and scored the equalizing goal in the 75th minute
- Daniel Chica, a Short-Term Agreement signing, made his MLS debut in the 55th minute as a substitute.
- Cameron Dunbar also made his MLS debut, entering the match in the 86th minute.
Up next
Atlanta United will take a weekend off for international break before staying home for Latin Heritage Night Saturday, Oct. 10. The 7:30 p.m. ET kick off against FC Cincinnati will see the 5-Stripes try to extend an unbeaten run and keep their playoff hopes alive. Get your tickets here.
