Atlanta United Beats New York Red Bulls 3-0 in Leg One
Published on November 25, 2018 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release
ATLANTA - Atlanta United defeated New York Red Bulls 3-0 in Leg One of the Eastern Conference Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday in front 70,016 fans. Josef Martinez, Franco Escobar and Tito Villalba scored goals for Atlanta, while the defense allowed just one shot on target on six attempts.
After a half-hour chess match, Martinez opened the scoring on the match's first shot attempt on target in the 32nd minute. Red Bulls' defense allowed Jeff Larentowicz to walk into a dangerous area along the right wing where the veteran defender sent in a world-class cross over the head of Tim Parker and right off the chest of Martinez, who let the ball bounce twice before unleashing a rocket into the right corner, past Luis Robles.
Escobar added breathing room in the 71st minute when he ripped a left-footed shot into the upper right corner of the goal. Miguel Almirón started the play, splitting the New York defense with a through ball to Julian Gressel, who immediately crossed back through the box where it ultimately found Escobar who perfectly struck the ball on his first touch.
Villalba sealed the match with a much-deserved goal deep in stoppage time. After hitting the post a few minutes earlier, Villalba found space in the midfield, roughly 30 yards from goal, to take a pass from Escobar. He then dribbled near the edge of the box and ripped a left-footed shot right into the left corner that left Robles no chance to make a save.
Atlanta will travel to Harrison, New Jersey for Leg Two of the Eastern Conference Championships to be held on Thursday, Nov. 29 at Red Bull Arena (7:30 p.m., FS1, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).
MATCH INFO
Atlanta United 3, New York Red Bulls 0
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, Georgia
STATS
Shots: 13-6 Atlanta
Shots on Target: 5-1 Atlanta
Corner kicks: 5-5
Fouls committed: 11-7 Atlanta
Saves: 2-1 New York
Clearances: 18-12 Atlanta
Offside: 2-2
Possession: 52-48 Atlanta
Passing Accuracy: 68-62 Atlanta
SCORING SUMMARY
ATL - Josef Martinez (Jeff Larentowicz) 32' [HIGHLIGHT]
ATL - Franco Escobar (Julian Gressel, Miguel Almirón) 72' [HIGHLIGHT]
ATL - Tito Villalba (Franco Escobar) 90+5' [HIGHLIGHT]
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
ATL - Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (yellow) 62'
ATLANTA UNITED STARTING LINEUP
Brad Guzan; Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Michael Parkhurst ©, Jeff Larentowicz; Greg Garza (Chris McCann - 83'), Eric Remedi, Darlington Nagbe, Franco Escobar; Josef Martinez (Tito Villalba - 77'), Miguel Almirón (Ezequiel Barco - 86'), Julian Gressel.
Substitutes not used: Alec Kann, Miles Robinson, Kevin Kratz, Brandon Vazquez.
NEW YORK RED BULLS STARTING LINEUP
Luis Robles; Connor Lade, Aaron Long, Tim Parker, Michael Murillo; Sean Davis (Brian White - 87'), Tyler Adams; Daniel Royer (Derrick Etienne - 71'), Alejandro Romero Gamarra, Alex Muyl (Marc Rzatkowski - 84'); Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Substitutes not used: Ryan Meara, Fidel Escobar, Andreas Ivan, Cristian Casseres Jr.
ATTENDANCE
70,016
OFFICIALS
Kevin Stott (referee), Adam Wienckowski (assistant), Corey Parker (assistant), Allen Chapman (fourth), Drew Fischer (VAR).
TEAM NOTES
* Michael Parkhurst made his 25th career postseason appearance and 24th start.
* Jeff Larentowicz made his 25th career postseason appearance and 20th start.
* Darlington Nagbe made his 15th career postseason appearance and start.
* Brad Guzan made his eighth career postseason appearance and start.
* It was Larentowicz's second career MLS Playoff assist. His first came on Nov. 1, 2009 with the New England Revolution (vs. Chicago Fire).
* Red Bulls had a goal disallowed in the 53rd minute. Alex Muyl was deemed to be in an offside position and to be obstructing the line of sight of Brad Guzan.
* Josef MartÃnez sets the MLS single-season record with 34 total goals (31 regular season, 3 postseason). Roy Lassiter had 33 in 1996.
Major League Soccer Stories from November 25, 2018
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- Sporting KC Claims 0-0 Draw at Portland in Western Conference Championship First Leg - Sporting Kansas City
- Atlanta United Beats New York Red Bulls 3-0 in Leg One - Atlanta United FC
- Red Bulls Lose 3-0 to Atlanta in Leg 1 of Conference Championship - Red Bull New York
- Chicago Fire Exercises 2019 Contract Option for Elliot Collier - Chicago Fire FC
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