By Chris Tsakonas
NEW YORK – A late stoppage time winner from Benie Traore kept New York City’s playoff hopes alive in a 2-1 win over Atlanta United at Citi Field tonight. Traore and Nico Fernandez Mercau scored for New York City, while Breel Embolo scored Atlanta United’s only goal.
Here are three observations from tonight’s win.
Pigeons struggle to take flight
From the opening whistle, New York City ended up on the back foot as Atlanta United controlled the run of play and regularly tested the Pigeons’ back line. Through the first 20 minutes of the match, Atlanta United outshot New York City by a 7-0 margin with 0.81 expected goals.
In the 22nd minute, it looked like Atlanta United drew first blood. Off of a short corner, Atlanta played a cross into the middle to set up a headed goal from Breel Embolo – but it was ruled offside after a VAR check from referee Tori Penso.
Counterattacks and set pieces break scoring drought
While New York City picked up the pace offensively in the second half, their chances primarily came off of counter attacks and set pieces. The best of those early chances came in the 58th minute, when a three-on-three counter attack led to a close-range chance for Andres Perea that was stopped by Atlanta United keeper Lucas Hoyos.
In the 70th minute, New York City broke through. The Pigeons won a free kick from 25 yards out, and Fernandez Mercau curled the ball past the four-man wall and inside the far right goal post.
Late match heroics rescue New York City
In the 87th minute, it looked like New York City had their backs to the wall again. A long-range effort from Fafa Picault went off the post, and the long rebound came out to Embolo for the headed finish. WIth three minutes of regular time and stoppage time remaining, the Pigeons still had work to do.
New York City got the breakthrough they were looking for in the fifth added minute. Off a throw in, Kevin O’Toole played it into the middle to set up a 30-yard blast from Traore. It found the inside of the far right post, and it ultimately gave the Pigeons the three points they needed.
Next Up
New York City will remain in Queens for the penultimate match of the season against CF Montreal on Saturday afternoon. Montreal are already eliminated from the playoffs, and will head to Citi Field on the heels of a 4-0 road loss to Charlotte FC earlier tonight.
Live radio commentary with Glenn Crooks and Matty Lawrence will get underway at 1:45 p.m at newyorkcityfc.com/radio or the Apple TV Home Radio feature.
