ATLANTA, GA- The 5 Stripes, in control of their own destiny, knew that they had to take care of business Sunday against New York City FC, the number three team in the Eastern Conference. Josef Martinez played well for Atlanta, 2 days prior to this game he was questionable due to an adductor injury that he sustained during training.
Coach Frank De Boer reported that he was aware only Saturday after some light training, Josef Martinez would be ready for Sunday’s game. Coach De Boer expressed his satisfaction with Josef’s performance by saying. “I think he played great, scored 2 goals and the header that he made was top quality.”
With both teams having a similar style of play, this was an interesting match up. New York City FC came out and had a solid defensive press at the beginning of the match. However, this would soon fade as United would take over the game.
The first half was full of back and forth action between the two teams. It was a physical half as evidenced by three total yellow cards shown in the first half to three different players. Both sides held up well defensively. Brad Guzan had one total save for Atlanta and New York FC’s Sean Johnson had three in the first half of play. Atlanta United sagaciously applied increased pressure towards the goal which resulted in one unanswered point. Julian Gressel and Gonzalo Martinez would provide the assist to No. 7 Josef Martinez for the only score of the half. United knocked in an initial goal prior to this score by No. 12 Miles Robinson, however it was called off due to a push inside the box. The United controlled the possession in the first half with 65.8% advantage to New York FC 34.2%. Atlanta United with 10 total shots and 4 on target, New York with only six total shots and one on target. The 5 Stripes led in duels 28 to New York FC’s 21.
The possessions in the second half would remain in favor of Atlanta United at 57.8% which was a decrease from their first half possession, however, still topping New York City’s 42.2%. Atlanta still attacked the goal with a total of 18 shots and nine on target compared to NYCFC with 11 total shots and only four on target. Atlanta led on duels won with 55 to New York City’s 42. It was evident that New York City FC had their back against the wall the majority of the second half as evidenced by Sean Johnson’s 7 total saves compared to Brad Guzan 3 total saves. The second goal for Atlanta FC would occur in the 62nd minute from a penalty shot by Josef Martinez. New York City FC would attempt to make a last-minute rally, as Heber would score in the 80th minute, making the score 2-1. The 5 stripes made a solid defensive stance to finish the game in victory.
Atlanta United plays Club America next. Club America is a top tier Mexican soccer team, they will play in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. United remains number one in the Eastern Conference and moves to 10-1-3 at home and 13-9-3 overall.
Written by Marcus Jones
(Photo Credit: Alexandra Ghisson)
