Late Atlanta United equalizer denies NYCFC in 2-2 draw
Courtesy: NYCFC
By Chris Tsakonas
Despite holding a late lead, New York City FC’s winless streak is now at 10 matches after a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta rescued the point with a stoppage time equalizer from Nicholas Firmino.
“We did enough to win a football game tonight as a team, and we didn't win the game,” NYCFC managaer Nick Cushing said. “So we have to get back in the hotel. We have to recover. We have to prepare for Portland and we have to continue to fight.”
It didn’t take long for NYCFC to take the lead: just 42 seconds into the match, Pereira beat Guzan with a left footed shot from the right side of the penalty area.
“I think what [the goal] did for us is it showed that we were here to win a football game, we were here to get a foothold in the game, and we weren't here just to make up the numbers.”
That ended up being the bright spot of the first half for New York City, as they wouldn’t record another shot on goal for the rest of the half. Atlanta United retook control of the run of play, getting an equalizer off a tight angle shot from Tyler Wolff in the 11th minute.
Out of the halftime break, it was New York City who retook the lead. In the 56th minute, Pereira got on the end of a through ball from Richy Ledezma in the box, beating Guzan one-on-one to retake the lead.
“[Pereira had] a real performance for the team tonight. He scored two goals to great finishes. But he's shown that all season,” Cushing said. “I think what he's shown tonight and has been across this period is the fight for the team, his work rate, his real spirit to help guys like Steven Turnbull that hasn't played so many MLS games.”
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Atlanta United got their equalizer. A byline cross from Brooks Lennon found the head of Firmino for a free header that found the back of the net.
With the draw, New York City have a quick turnaround ahead of the next leg of their road stand, as they get set to take on the Portland Timbers out west in a rematch of the 2021 MLS Cup.