Atlanta United vs. NYFC
Atlanta Squanders Early Lead, 2-2 Draw
Rios Scores Fastest Goal
Atlanta Latinos Magazine– Atlanta United jumped out to an early lead Wednesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But two second half goals by New York FC tied the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw. It was a disappointing finish to what started as a promising night. Atlanta suffered another home loss and remains winless in its last four matches.
Atlanta got off to a fast start. Daniel Rios found the back of the net in the opening 21 seconds of the match. It was the fastest goal ever scored for the team, eclipsing Josef Martinez’s goal in 47 seconds against Orlando in 2021. Both Saba Lobjanidze and Tristan Muyumba were credited with assists.
Atlanta tacked on a second goal in the first half in the 38’. Saba pounced on the rebound of a block shot and sent a cheeky side kick into the next. It was Saba’s sixth goal of the season, tying him for the team lead with Rios and Thiago Almada.
New York would fight back. In the 65’, Monsef Bakrar scored New York’s first goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Then in the 82’, Talles Magno converted a penalty kick to tie the score. It was Magno’s first goal of his MLS career.
The match ended that way, with both sides earning a point in the standings. However, Atlanta fell to 12th in the Eastern Conference standings while NYFC remained in 5th place.
Atlanta stays at home for its next match, facing Columbus Crew on Saturday, July 20th.
Notes…Saba earned his fifth assist of the season…Atlanta still has hopes to make the playoffs, as they are three points from a playoff spot…Magno subbed on at halftime and scored his first goal in only his second match for the team…attendance was announced as 42,524.
