ATLANTA (Azat TV) – Playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time in 98 days following an extended road stretch and the World Cup break, Atlanta United engineered a late second-half comeback to defeat Red Bull New York 2-1 on Saturday night. The Major League Soccer fixture saw the 5-Stripes overcome an early defensive lapse, capitalizing on two goals within a 13-minute span to secure three points in front of their home supporters.
Head coach Tata Martino structured a lineup blending experienced designated players with young talent. Offseason signing Adrian Gill, a 20-year-old midfielder recruited from Barcelona B, made his official debut for the club in place of the injured Will Reilly. Eighteen-year-old Homegrown product Cooper Sanchez also started in the midfield alongside Tristan Muyumba, who reached a career milestone by making his 100th appearance for Atlanta United across all competitions.
Early Blow and First-Half Pressure
The visiting Red Bulls established an immediate advantage in the 6th minute. Combining through a rapid sequence of vertical passes that pierced Atlanta’s defensive lines, Emil Forsberg received the ball inside the box and slotted his finish into the left side of the net past Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos. The early deficit forced the hosts to adjust their tactical posture, gradually establishing possession through midfielders Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón, and Muyumba.
Hoyos prevented a second Red Bull goal in the 20th minute with a close-range reaction save against Forsberg, keeping Atlanta within striking distance. Six minutes later, Almirón broke down the flank on a counterattack, placing a central pass to Muyumba whose effort drifted over the crossbar. Despite consistent wide penetration from forward Fafa Picault and repeated advances into New York’s penalty area, Atlanta United entered the halftime break trailing 1-0.
Muyumba’s Milestone Goal Sparks Turnaround
Red Bull New York maintained territory early in the second half, confining Atlanta to its defensive third. In the 51st minute, Almirón nearly leveled the score on a direct counterattack, though his tight-angle strike rolled past the far post. The pressure sustained by the 5-Stripes eventually produced an equalizer in the 69th minute.
On his 100th appearance for the franchise, Muyumba collected the ball just inside the edge of the penalty area and struck a right-footed curling shot into the right corner of the net. The goal was his second in as many matches, drawing Atlanta even at 1-1 and altering the momentum of the contest.
Historic Assist and Late Defensive Fortification
The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute. Almirón delivered a high cross toward the back post, targeting Picault. The forward directed a header back across the goal line, which deflected off Red Bull goalkeeper Ethan Horvath and into the net. The play was officially credited as a goal for Picault, while Almirón recorded his 41st career assist for Atlanta United. The setup tied him with Brooks Lennon for the highest total in club history.
Facing late pressure from New York, Atlanta’s defense held firm during six minutes of stoppage time. Hoyos registered a low dive to stop an 87th-minute shot, while substitute defender Ronald Hernández executed a goal-line clearance in the 90th minute to preserve the victory. Following the win, Atlanta United prepares to travel for a midweek away fixture against Minnesota United on Wednesday, August 19.