Contributed by Steven Torres
Atlanta United FC defeated hosts New York City FC (NYCFC), 1:0, in the first-leg of MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal on Sunday evening before a crowd of 19,198 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
This is the first time since September 5, 1971 that an Atlanta team beats a NY Club in a playoff match, when Atlanta Chiefs defeated NY Cosmos 2:0 in second-leg of NASL Semifinals at Hofstra Stadium.
The only tally of the Sunday's match came in the 37th minute-mark when a shot 14 yards by international Venezuelan forward Josef Martinez was saved by NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson, however Argentinean midfielder Eric Remedi put in the rebound for Atlanta.
NYCFC pushed throughout the match for the equalizer and fired eight total shots, however none were on target as U.S. international goalkeeper Brad Guzan didn’t have to make a save for Atlanta.
The visitors almost scored at the 90th minute however U.S. international defender Greg Garza’s shot off a counter attack was saved by Johnson.
Both sides will meet again on November 11th in the second-leg semifinal at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The winner will meet the victor of the other Eastern Conference Semifinal between Columbus Crew-NY Red Bulls.
11.04.2018: Bronx, N.Y.; Yankee Stadium (A: 19198)
NEW YORK CITY FC – ATLANTA UNITED FC (0:1)
Eric REMEDI 37’
New York City FC: Sean Johnson – Anton Tinnerholm, Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callens, Ben Sweat (63: Jo Inge Berget), Ring, Herrera, Maximiliano Moralez, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (77: Jesus Medina), Ronald Matarrita, David Villa. Booked: Moralez 10’, Ring 41’
Coach: Domenec TORRENT
Atlanta United FC: Brad Guzan – Greg Garza, Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez, Michael Parkhurst, Franco Escobar, Eric Remedi, Darlington Nagbe, Jeff Larentowicz, Miguel Almiron (46: Hector Villalba) (85: Ezequiel Barco), Josef Martinez, Julian Gressel. Booked: Remedi 7’, Villalba 49’, Martinez 79’
Coach: Gerardo MARTINO
R: Kevin STOTT
Written by Steven Torres