Atlanta United earns a point at home after a 2-2 draw with New York City FC

After a few weeks on the road, Atlanta United returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on New York City FC. Seven of the 16 games these two clubs have played against each other have ended in a draw, and this one followed the same pattern. Back in April, the 5-Stripes traveled to Citi Field and drew 1-1. This time, it was NYCFC who came back to earn a 2-2 draw.

Atlanta United got off to a good start thanks to Daniel Rios, who has been on a hot streak of late. Tristan Muyumba passed the ball up the field to Saba Lobjanidze who made a quick pass to Rios from the penalty spot. The goal came after just 21 seconds of play, the fastest goal in club history. Lobjanidze provided the assist on the goal.

Rios now has six goals this season after moving level with Saba Lobjanidze and Jamal Thiare on five.

New York City FC spent the next two minutes trying to stabilize after the early goal threw them off-kilter. But in the 12^th Within a minute, the early excitement only continued. NYCFC captain Keaton Parks tripped Derrick Williams in the penalty area and a penalty was awarded on the pitch. After some VAR deliberation, it was ruled that it would not be a penalty due to an offside position.

The next promising scoring opportunity for the 5-Stripes came in the 18th.^th minute by Xande Silva. Atlanta continued to exploit the right side as NYCFC’s Christian McFarlane didn’t have much of an answer.

Atlanta had to weather a storm as New York wouldn’t let them get back into the attacking half. Brad Guzan made a diving save in the 27th minute.^th A minute later, Agustín Ojeda allowed the 5-Stripes to maintain a one-point lead. Ronald Hernández, who has been strong on the left side lately, blocked Ojeda’s rebound.

With Noah Cobb away on international duty, Atlanta’s lineup, especially at the back, looked a little different.