Dirty South Soccer - Atlanta United at NYCFC stream: News, Updates, Highlights, Live Stream, LineupsYour best source for Atlanta United news, analysis, rumors, and banter.2017-05-09T08:45:02-04:00http://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/rss/stream/153221292017-05-09T08:45:02-04:002017-05-09T08:45:02-04:00NYCFC 3-1 Atlanta United: Staff Player Ratings
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<p>Martino's assessment was brutal; we follow the coach's lead.</p> <p id="STg1rQ">As requested by you the readers, here for the first time are the official, incontrovertible, absolutely accurate Dirty South Soccer writer player ratings. Unfortunately for our first ratings, we have largely dismal performances all around to evaluate.</p>
<p id="FZO1HQ">GK: <span>Alec Kann</span> – 5. Made four saves on the day and was not to blame for any of the three goals.</p>
<p id="ABQo4a">RB: <span>Tyrone Mears</span> – 4.5. Possibly the top performer on the back line yesterday if not for the yellow card. Cleared a ball off the line seconds into the second half to help keep the scoreline from getting totally disastrous. Gets a half point for getting away with a foot over the line on the throw-in that led to Carmona’s goal.</p>
<p id="xsvN1w">CB: <span>Michael Parkhurst</span> – 3. Another performance to forget for Parky. Picked up a yellow card and completely gave up on Villa for the first goal of the game.</p>
<p id="VHIwJu">CB: <span>Leandro Gonzalez Pirez</span> – 4. Didn’t really do much this time around. Was unable to get forward as much as we have seen him do in recent games.</p>
<p id="iFtsAE">LB: <span>Greg Garza</span> – 4. Usually the more aggressive of the two outside backs, Garza failed to generate much on offense and was late covering Wallace for the second goal.</p>
<p id="grP94U">CM: <span>Jeff Larentowicz</span> – 4. Moderately solid in the middle, but picked up a silly yellow card.</p>
<p id="mbcvU9">CM: <span>Carlos Carmona</span> – 5.5.<strong> </strong>Man of the Match. Usually relatively invisible, Carmona’s name got called a lot today. The superb strike for his first MLS goal earns him MOTM honors, but he did get left behind on the final goal by Moralez. 5 on defense, 6 on offense, split the difference.</p>
<p id="KModr2">CAM: <span>Julian Gressel</span> – 3. Still struggling. Earned a yellow card for a late challenge that in some of ATLUTD’s previous games might have drawn a red. Taken off after 57 minutes; a relatively early substitution by Martino standards, which says a lot in itself.</p>
<p id="EwGZha">RW: <span>Tito Villalba</span> – 4. Had one good shot on goal that just went wide; otherwise didn’t do much.</p>
<p id="R0hgoH">FWD: <span>Kenwyne Jones</span> – 3. Absolutely invisible all game and showing his ineffectiveness in Martino’s system more and more. The one time he did get good service he produced a lame header that was easily controlled by Johnson.</p>
<p id="yioP7m">LW: <span>Miguel Almiron</span> – 4. Had the same kinds of problems as he did against DC United. Couldn’t find space and was unable to generate distribution forward.</p>
<p id="7TuhJp">SUB: <span>Chris McCann</span> – 4. Replaced Gressel early but couldn’t do much. Both of NYCFC’s second half scores were within four minutes of him coming on, putting him in an impossible position.</p>
<p id="KpB5aj">SUB: <span>Brandon Vazquez</span> – Not rated. Came on too late and was given too few opportunities to make a difference.</p>
<p id="uw3vnl">Univision English-language Commentators – 0. Man, were they awful.</p>
<p id="5fJvVN"><span>Andrew Carleton</span> – 7. Yes, Carleton did play on Sunday, but for the USMNT U-17s in the essentially meaningless CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying final game against Mexico. He opened the scoring with another great strike, although the US eventually lost the game on kicks from the mark.</p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/5/9/15585768/nycfc-3-1-atlanta-united-staff-player-ratingsJohn K. Fuller2017-05-08T15:42:25-04:002017-05-08T15:42:25-04:00NYCFC 3-1 Atlanta United: Community Player Ratings
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<img alt="MLS: Atlanta United FC at New York City FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RCgJPa7--MzQhneGKIAqmKwYPE4=/0x0:1992x1328/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54678755/usa_today_10047313.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Your results are in. </p> <p id="lXktSz"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> lost for the second straight time on Sunday, their fourth overall defeat on the youngish season. The 3-1 loss to <a href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/">New York City FC</a> was a bit more lopsided than the scoreline suggests with the hosts dominating the run of play and the dangerous chances created. If not for some lucky moments, it could’ve easily been a way more embarrassing result on paper. As always, your post-match ratings have been calculated and finally we have a new top vote getter: </p>
<h3 id="W9sNYi">Man of the Match: <span>Carlos Carmona</span> </h3>
<p id="cMWw0I">This is the only silver lining from the loss. The fact that <span>Miguel Almiron</span> didn’t win our community vote again. Carmona’s goal was well-taken and completely undeserved as a team. But, let’s not take away from his nice bit of individual skill. Congrats on the goal and being winning our prestigious site award, Carlos! </p>
<p id="RF4P6K">Full Community Player Ratings </p>
<p id="I1yAbn">GK: <span>Alec Kann</span> - 5.4</p>
<p id="HYjH2p">RB: <span>Tyrone Mears</span> - 4.6</p>
<p id="Wlj4kM">CB: <span>Michael Parkhurst</span> - 4.2</p>
<p id="3phGCi">CB: <span>Leandro Gonzalez Pirez</span> - 4.7</p>
<p id="gTorQ0">LB: <span>Greg Garza</span> - 5.1</p>
<p id="AkxBQy">CM: <span>Jeff Larentowicz</span> - 4.6</p>
<p id="Gx19SS">CM: Carlos Carmona - 6.1</p>
<p id="2APfsy">CAM: <span>Julian Gressel</span> - 3.9</p>
<p id="ZKpmIQ">RW: <span>Tito Villalba</span> - 4.4 </p>
<p id="b17efR">ST: <span>Kenwyne Jones</span> - 3.5 </p>
<p id="AR41m9">LW: Miguel Almiron - 4.8</p>
<p id="JYYlFI">SUB: <span>Chris McCann</span> - 4.2</p>
<p id="7PMUON">SUB: <span>Brandon Vazquez</span> - NR </p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/5/8/15583428/nycfc-3-1-atlanta-united-community-player-ratingsRob Usry2017-05-07T22:16:34-04:002017-05-07T22:16:34-04:00NYCFC 3-1 Atlanta United: Bronx bombed
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<img alt="MLS: Atlanta United FC at New York City FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UrKI--SuXjKw-kGgnRW3tue4v0Y=/0x0:3519x2346/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54666187/usa_today_10047321.1494209793.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Five Stripes now find themselves in the midst of a losing streak.</p> <p id="Zs6Xyf">For all the various firsts that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> have experienced this season, they saw two more go in the books against <a href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/">New York City FC</a> at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, they were dubious ones: first time conceding an opening goal in franchise history and first-ever losing streak. Atlanta followed up a poor showing last week with an even more disappointing one as they found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline against NYCFC.</p>
<p id="LX3l7N">It didn’t take long for the home side to get on the board first - and naturally, it was their big-ticket designated player doing the honors. A charging <span>David Villa</span> broke into the box untouched and blasted a well-timed shot past <span>Alec Kann</span> off the right post and in to give New York City a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute. <span>Carlos Carmona</span> had somewhat a beat on it, but the Spaniard simply had too much room to work with and didn’t miss as NYCFC pulled in front.</p>
<p id="8aRwB4">Carmona and Atlanta were able to pull back level, though. In the 40th minute, Carmona lasered an attempt just inside the box past an outstretched <span>Sean Johnson</span> to put United on terms late in the half. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">An absolute banger! <br><br>Carlos Carmona equalizes it for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATLUTD?src=hash">#ATLUTD</a> <a href="https://t.co/C3pcGONSYX">pic.twitter.com/C3pcGONSYX</a></p>— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLUTD/status/861323116362047488">May 7, 2017</a>
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<p id="suZytw">Would it be enough to give the Five Stripes momentum headed into the second 45 minutes? Not hardly. <span>Jack Harrison</span> possessed the ball into the box, then deftly shuttled it off to <span>Ethan White</span> to his right. White rifled a cross in front of the net to <span>Rodney Wallace</span>, whose first touch snuck past Kann into the net to make it a 2-1 match in the 60th minute. NYCFC would certainly have the better of the play to start the half, and not long after Wallace’s goal, it was <span>Maxi Moralez</span> running it to 3-1 as he took Rodney Wallace’s pass, ran in unmarked and gave Kann no chance as he doubled the margin.</p>
<p id="EXQLwD">“Today there was nothing positive to take out. We were outplayed by a superior team,” Tata Martino said following the match in comments provided by Atlanta United. “(NYCFC) played with more intensity at the point of attack and controlled the ball better than us.”</p>
<p id="dtBUuX">It’s certainly been a dubious run of form for Atlanta United over the past five games: draw, loss, win, loss, loss. And it comes at a tough time as well: the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> await at an always-hostile Providence Park next Sunday. Martino’s comments provided by the team suggested that he may not make tactical changes going into that one, and with <span>Josef Martinez</span> (potentially) returning, they should receive a much needed boost up top. But it does look like Martino’s patience with <span>Julian Gressel</span> is running thin as the rookie was removed in favor of <span>Chris McCann</span> in the 57th minute after another tough outing.</p>
<p id="cwl16A">Fortunately for Atlanta United, it’s a long season, and hopefully the club can hit the training ground ready to button up some lagging issues before playing Portland. A win out on the West Coast would work wonders for their confidence as a strong <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> side will be waiting at Bobby Dodd Stadium on May 20.</p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/5/7/15574198/nycfc-new-york-city-3-1-atlanta-united-carlos-carmona-mls-recap-final-scoreSydney Hunte2017-05-07T17:59:45-04:002017-05-07T17:59:45-04:00NYCFC 3-1 ATLUTD: React & Rate
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<img alt="MLS: Atlanta United FC at New York City FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Sa1xsE_D1EPQxSIqPjKiBdqBJPI=/0x0:3219x2146/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54664027/usa_today_10047330.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>You react, you rate. </p> <p id="hMq8aI"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> dropped their second result in a row today, losing 3-1 to New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. It wasn’t even really close, either. A putrid all-around performance by Atlanta was made a little less embarrassing by a nice Carlos Carmona goal. However, it wasn’t nearly enough to cover up probably the worst performance of the season so far. </p>
<p id="88xgbX">Instead of giving you our player ratings, we what to know what you think. Below is a ratings form for you to fill out with how you rate each Atlanta United player’s performance. After a day/night of voting, we’ll tabulate the ratings and reveal them with the top rated player being named our site’s Man of the Match. Feel free to head down to the comments section and leave your thoughts on the match as a whole or give your detailed explanation of your ratings.</p>
<p id="HhwTr9"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKDnK5b8JV-SM96uXiT6BjIGMxSEjHR2Aja5p17gHzxxPG0A/viewform?usp=sf_link"><strong>Here’s a mobile friendly link to the ratings ballot.</strong></a> The in-post ballot only works on desktop due to issues out of my control.</p>
<div id="9V31t6"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 141.4227%;"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKDnK5b8JV-SM96uXiT6BjIGMxSEjHR2Aja5p17gHzxxPG0A/viewform?usp=sf_link&embedded=true&usp=embed_googleplus" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/5/7/15573932/atlanta-united-at-nycfc-final-score-resultRob Usry2017-05-07T16:55:37-04:002017-05-07T16:55:37-04:00Carlos Carmona’s first Atlanta United goal is a beauty
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<img alt="MLS: Atlanta United FC at Toronto FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RphdM07fShgt5sYx7_PfKZkSbKo=/0x7:3428x2292/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54663381/usa_today_10002350.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Very nice. </p> <div id="Ls9COM">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">An absolute banger! <br><br>Carlos Carmona equalizes it for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATLUTD?src=hash">#ATLUTD</a> <a href="https://t.co/C3pcGONSYX">pic.twitter.com/C3pcGONSYX</a></p>— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLUTD/status/861323116362047488">May 7, 2017</a>
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<p id="fLxvSj"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> have looked rough in the opening half at <a href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/">New York City FC</a> today. However, after a <span>David Villa</span> goal gave the hosts the lead, <span>Carlos Carmona</span> of all people brought Atlanta level before halftime with his first goal for the club. What a goal it was too. Off a throw-in, <span>Kenwyne Jones</span> knocked down the ball into the Chilean’s path for him to volley from 16 yards out, off the post and in. </p>
<p id="xZpcQv">Carmona isn’t a stranger to scoring goals, but he isn’t exactly prolific either. He’ll be very pleased to get his first goal for the Five Stripes and it’s nice that it came when it did as Atlanta were really struggling to create anything in the attacking end. </p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/5/7/15574222/carlos-carmonas-first-atlanta-united-goal-is-a-beautyRob Usry2017-05-07T15:14:12-04:002017-05-07T15:14:12-04:00Atlanta United’s lineup at NYCFC
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<img alt="MLS: Atlanta United FC at Real Salt Lake" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/erg_bN-bDCq2cWoloMzjJCC_030=/87x0:5028x3294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54662559/usa_today_10026921.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>About the norm. </p> <div id="QPCJRO">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today's starting XI against <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCFC">@NYCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UniteAndConquer?src=hash">#UniteAndConquer</a> <a href="https://t.co/kq52FE5d4a">pic.twitter.com/kq52FE5d4a</a></p>— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLUTD/status/861297164416417795">May 7, 2017</a>
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<p id="xEOI4o">There’s only one change for Atlanta United today as Jeff Larentowicz returns from a concussion to replace the suspended Yamil Asad. He slots in at his usual defensive midfielder spot, pushing Julian Gressel into the No. 10 role and Miguel Almiron to the left wing. </p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/5/7/15573642/atlanta-uniteds-lineup-at-nycfcRob Usry2017-05-07T14:31:07-04:002017-05-07T14:31:07-04:00Atlanta United at NYCFC: Match Thread & TV Guide
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<img alt="MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1C1tZURTDZRzLEyei5BGYp45HQM=/0x0:5102x3401/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54657847/usa_today_9484510.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>America’s new favorite pastime hosted at Yankee Stadium. </p> <p id="mJ4RfY">Another matchday is upon us. The ninth of this inaugural 2017 season. After a loooong week of assessing the damage from a disappointing loss, it’s time to do it all over again. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> travel up north to the Big Apple, the Empire State, the yada yada “we’re the center of the universe” New York City to take on Manchester City II. </p>
<p id="dvUgBE">In what has been dubbed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/may/05/atlanta-united-new-york-city-fc-mls">‘MLS’ most important game’</a> by one publication, this match has the makings of a true slugfest. In one corner, the high-spending glamour farm team of a Premier League club. In the other, the new kids on the block trying to create something special from scratch. </p>
<p id="0865nr">NYCFC (4-3-1, 13 points) are coming off an impressive 3-2 away victory at <a href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew SC</a> as Atlanta (3-3-2, 11 points) try to rebound from the aforementioned surprising defeat to <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a>. It should be a fascinating battle of managerial wits and tactics with the undertones of two different franchise philosophies. </p>
<p id="NCZUJp">Led by high-profile foreign managers in Patrick Vieira and Tata Martino, these two teams aren’t too dissimilar. Both were started from scratch by very wealthy and ambitious owners with lofty expectations early in their existence. The on-field product is where the divide can be seen. Aging, expensive stars like <span>David Villa</span> and <span>Andrea Pirlo</span> were brought in by NYCFC to put butts in the seats and try to find early success. Meanwhile, Atlanta United have gone the opposite route, buying three young DP’s just entering their best years. </p>
<p id="R7hj17">Atlanta feature a high-pressing, fast-paced style, while NYCFC are more calculated in their build-up, often relying on counter-attacking with their main goal threat David Villa the focal point. What type of match will these two opposing styles and philosophies create when jammed onto the smallest field in the league? It should be a very interesting day of soccer. </p>
<p id="h4CzfO">This match kicks off at 4:00 p.m. ET and can be seen in a number of different ways. Univision will have the match on TV. It’ll also be streamed in English on Univision Deportes’ Facebook Page. </p>
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<p id="7xEhiF"><strong>Atlanta United’s Lineup: </strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today's starting XI against <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCFC">@NYCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UniteAndConquer?src=hash">#UniteAndConquer</a> <a href="https://t.co/kq52FE5d4a">pic.twitter.com/kq52FE5d4a</a></p>— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLUTD/status/861297164416417795">May 7, 2017</a>
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<p id="T7VqFS"><strong>NYCFC’s Lineup: </strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYCFC?src=hash">#NYCFC</a> Starting XI vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLUTD">@ATLUTD</a> <a href="https://t.co/HFbclMiZ6z">pic.twitter.com/HFbclMiZ6z</a></p>— New York City FC (@NYCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCFC/status/861297809622020097">May 7, 2017</a>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="iTOATh">
<h4 id="iGGfWv">How to Watch</h4>
<p id="qGEhC8"><strong>Venue:</strong> Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY </p>
<p id="acH6kl"><strong>Kickoff Time:</strong> 4:00 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="HdfU2K"><strong>Available TV:</strong> Univision</p>
<p id="kT1Iwg"><strong>Available Streaming: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnivisionDeportes/">Facebook Live</a>, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fubo.tv%2Fwatch%2FAtlanta-United%3Firad%3D362117%26irmp%3D375972&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dirtysouthsoccer.com%2F2017%2F5%2F7%2F15570708%2Fatlanta-united-at-nycfc-live-stream-time-tv-schedule-and-lineups" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">fuboTV (free trial)</a>, <a href="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/482924/1132376/14334?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sling.com%2F&sharedid=sbnation.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sling TV</a>, <a href="https://www.playstation.com/en-us/network/vue/">PSVue</a></p>
<p id="gZPQ9K"><strong>Available Radio:</strong> <a href="http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/station/92-9-the-game/"><strong>92.9 The Game</strong></a><strong> </strong>(available via official ATLUTD mobile app)</p>
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<p id="CZUpnU"><em>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.</em></p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/5/7/15570708/atlanta-united-at-nycfc-live-stream-time-tv-schedule-and-lineupsRob Usry2017-05-06T10:05:01-04:002017-05-06T10:05:01-04:00Atlanta United at NYCFC: What to watch for
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<img alt="MLS: D.C. United at Atlanta United FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bGBapQjHUFsYq9pcUMlNnGHJMdg=/0x0:3846x2564/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54622865/usa_today_10037782.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Five Stripes look to bounce back after a disappointing loss</p> <p id="Jm1aHW">After spending last Sunday at the bus station, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> will actually face an opponent this weekend who will play soccer against them. NYCFC is a team that focuses on possession and building their attack out of the back. In their last match they traveled to Columbus and came back on the Crew after going down 2-1 to win 3-2. Given the possession based style of play that the Pigeons implement, the match should look closer to the one against Toronto and be a more back and forth affair compared to the recent games Atlanta has played.</p>
<p id="mjpR3p"><strong>The Columbidae’s Habitat</strong></p>
<p id="w8UtNa">The Pigeons are urban creatures who live in the only recognized rectangle with four uneven sides which features temporary sod to cover up an infield where such Yankee legends as Brendan Ryan and Dustin Ackley played. Yankee Stadium may be many things, but it is not an ideal soccer venue. The pitch is narrow and that will make it difficult for Atlanta’s speedy players who like to stretch the field and get into wide spaces in transition to create chances. However, the size of the field may play into Atlanta’s strengths in transition. </p>
<p id="dGQiYn"><span>Michael Parkhurst</span> is one of the few Atlanta United players with experience playing at Yankee Stadium. The Five Stripes captain told reporters after practice on Tuesday that the small field means that “pretty soon after you pass the circle you are in shooting distance.” Atlanta United practiced shooting against DCU last weekend and if they can manage similar chances against New York, the team could play on a pentagon shaped field and could still win the game.</p>
<p id="UTiUqO"><strong>Peachtree Pressing*</strong></p>
<p id="T6rgtY">In past matches NYCFC has not always fared well against teams that press high and disrupt their build up play. They took a 7-1 drubbing at home against the <a href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> early in 2016 when the visitors pounced on mistakes and exploited the NYCFC weakness at defending known aerial threat <span>Dax McCarty</span> on set pieces. Manager Patrick Vieira turned his team around since then but Atlanta has shown that it will force teams into mistakes and punish them if they turn the ball over in a bad spot.</p>
<p id="YD1n5J">This is excellent news for Atlanta because pressing must be how the team does everything: they must make their coffee with a French press, eat only pressed panini sandwiches, and could crash the diamond market by turning coal into gems if they felt so inclined. The key will be the work rate of <span>Kenwyne Jones</span> and whoever steps in for <span>Yamil Asad</span>, be it <span>Miguel Almiron</span> moving from center to left midfield or <span>Jacob Peterson</span>, to make New York players uncomfortable with the ball at their feet when they try to build from the back. </p>
<p id="rYSzs4"><strong>Key matchup: The NYCFC front four vs. the Atlanta defense</strong></p>
<p id="47tTpG">The Pigeons may start a front four flock that includes <span>Maxi Moralez</span>, the resurgent <span>Rodney Wallace</span>, <span>Jack Harrison</span>, and <span>David Villa</span>. Last week <span>Luciano Acosta</span> scored when he dribbled the ball across the width of the goal box and the Atlanta defenders were so entranced that the entire backline failed to step to him leading to a game altering goal. Maxi Moralez is a similar style of player as the Columbus Crew learned last weekend. Even with David Villa out with an illness and <span>Andrea Pirlo</span> out due to the whim of his manager, Moralez and Jack Harrison were given the keys to the tank and laid waste to central Ohio. </p>
<p id="tPGIEh">Atlanta will look to avoid the same fate as Columbus this week but will need to regain the defensive form that they displayed in the matches before last week. As the game against DC showed, even teams in MLS that don’t have players with the scoring prowess of David Villa can exploit defensive mistakes. With the firepower that the Pigeons can send out the Five Stripes defense will have to step up to avoid another disappointing result.</p>
<p id="lUZ8y5">It isn’t time to panic after the loss to DC but Atlanta faces a difficult test this week and next. The team came out of the gate with a lot of energy and took MLS by surprise with how cohesive and explosive their play looked for a team that had only been together for a few weeks before the season started. Neither of the upcoming games are must win situations, but getting points from one or both would be a lot better than coming home in two weeks on a three game losing streak. </p>
<p id="Fxn08R">*Tip of the hat to whoever commented that it should be the Peachtree Press “because everywhere you look there’s another one” - I cannot pass up a pun that good.</p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/5/6/15540634/atlanta-united-nycfc-previewParker Cleveland