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Full-time - That’s how it ends. 2-2. Probably a fair result against a really good team.
73’ - Alex Ring has pulled the match back level with a stunning strike. It’s his first in MLS also.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME, ALEX RING? #ATLvNYC https://t.co/JAf33RRIrE
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 15, 2018
57’ - Chris McCann has scored his first goal for Atlanta United! Miguel Almiron set him up with a great cross. 2-1 Atlanta.
Chris McCann? CHRIS MCCANNNNN pic.twitter.com/0E9VAGeFMI
— Dirty South Soccer (@DirtySouthSoc) April 15, 2018
Half-time: It’s knotted up at one in an intense battle. All to play for in the second half.
42’ - Darlington Nagbe appeared to have his first goal for Atlanta United, but VAR reviewed it and deemed that Josef Martinez was offside and impeded Johnson’s attempt at saving it. Still 1-1.
Martinez clearly offside is ruled to have impacted the play by impeding NYCFC GK Sean Johnson. pic.twitter.com/GW4gsWUwXt
— Total MLS (@TotalMLS) April 15, 2018
38’ - David Villa comes off the bench to convert a penalty after Michael Parkhurst committed a foul in the box. 1-1.
Who else? David Villa comes on and buries the PK to tie it up 1-1. One away from #Villa400. #ATLvNYC https://t.co/dJHdXhT2e0
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 15, 2018
29’ - Greg Garza has given Atlanta United the lead after pouncing on a rebound from a Sean Johnson save.
GREGORY F. GARZA pic.twitter.com/QBgSQwg5NF
— Dirty South Soccer (@DirtySouthSoc) April 15, 2018
Pre-Match: It’s matchday, ladies and gents. Today’s a big one in the Eastern conference as the top two teams entering the week meet. New York City FC come to town and something has to give. The blue side of New York is unbeaten so far this season, while Atlanta United have a perfect record at home.
It may be hyperbole to call a mid-April match very important in MLS, but if any match qualifies, it’s this one. These two teams appear to be the cream of the crop in the East and will likely be jockeying for position in the table all season. Not only are they both candidates for the Supporters’ Shield but both are vying for a spot in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League.
The Five Stripes received a huge scare mid-week when Josef Martinez picked up a finger injury in training, but thankfully he’s okay to play. Tata Martino also has a big decision to make regarding Ezequiel Barco. The record winter signing has returned to training this week and has been deemed available for this match. The big question is, does his start or come off the bench? Get ready for #BarcoWatch to finally and officially conclude.
Note: We’re trying something new with our match threads this year. We’ll be updating the post with updates of goals and big moments as they happen. Check back every so often during the match for highlights and commentary.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
#ATLUTD's Starting XI against @NYCFC pic.twitter.com/3K3ZmElyq3
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 15, 2018
NYCFC’s Lineup:
| Teamsheet @ATLUTD #ForTheCity pic.twitter.com/l9fVEskbh5
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) April 15, 2018
How to Watch
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Kickoff Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Available TV: FS1, FOX Deportes
Available Streaming: fuboTV (free trial), FOX Sports GO
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game (English), AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope), La Mejor 1600 AM (Spanish)
This thread will be your match thread. We don’t have many rules here. We just ask that you don’t insult each other personally and treat each other with respect. Debates can get heated and that’s fine, but name-calling and petty insults will get you banned. If you see a comment that you feel is out of line, please report it and it will be dealt with.