New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United play to a scoreless stalemate on Saturday night at Mercedes Benz Stadium, deadlocked both tactically and on the scoreboard. Red Bulls, who came into the game with significant injury concerns, still controlled a large portion of the game, leaving Ronny Deila’s Atlanta to focus on counter attacks. While both teams had their chances, it was not to be as both clubs shared points in week 3.
New York went with an interesting team of starters as injuries forced head coach Sandro Schwarz to start Dennis Gjengaar, Dylan Nealis and Julian Hall. While the lineup was unfamiliar, the team played well, creating chances and holding the ball against tough opposition. Atlanta built into the game with dangerous crosses but the stout Red Bulls defense held firm. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel also stood firm, making key saves late in the half to keep his team in the game.
The second half is where New York’s domination took hold statistically. Their best chance came in the 66th minute when a ball ping-ponged in the box and fell to the feet of Noah Eile in front of goal. Veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan reached out and made the save to keep the game level. Both teams played the remainder of the game in a midfield battle where neither side was able to gain a significant advantage.
Considering the injuries involved, New York Red Bulls’ trip to Atlanta was a success buy taking a point and not conceding a goal. The team will return to Harrison next week to play a midday game against Orlando City SC.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; D. Nealis, S. Nealis, Eile, Valencia (46′ Edwards), Edelman, Stroud (73′ Carballo), Gjengaar, Forsberg, Hall (46′ Carmona), Choupo-Moting
Atlanta United: Guzan; Edwards (68′ Cobb), Gregerson, Williams, Amador, Slisz, Muyumba (76′ Klich), Miranchuk, Almiron (87′ Silva), Lath (68′ Mosquera), Lobjanidze (77′ Togashi)
SCORING SUMMARY:
DISCIPLINE:
8′ (Atlanta United) Emmanuel Latte Lath – YELLOW CARD
13′ (New York Red Bulls) Omar Valencia – YELLOW CARD
40′ (Atlanta United) Matthew Edwards – YELLOW CARD
86′ (New York Red Bulls) Eric Maxime Choupo-Moting – YELLOW CARD
photo by Matt Kremkau