Atlanta United Vs New York Red Bulls: 5 things we learned – Atlanta 2.0
By Josh Bouland
Atlanta United lost 1-0 to New York Red Bulls on Thursday night but advanced to the MLS Cup Final on a 3-1 aggregate score. Here are five things we learned.
Atlanta United failed to keep New York Red Bulls off the scoresheet on Thursday night at Red Bull Arena but it didn’t matter. New York’s 94th minute goal wasn’t enough to worry the Five Stripes as they advanced to the MLS Cup Final on a 3-1 aggregate score.
Once again, Atlanta United’s defense played a key part in securing the series win. Red Bulls only registered one shot on goal in the first half and Atlanta did a good job limiting New York’s chances and a good job of slowing down the game. There were even a few solid counterattacking opportunities for Atlanta despite the defensive approach.
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Atlanta found a way to exercise their New York-based demons, advancing past both New York City FC in the conference semifinal and now New York Red Bulls in the conference final. The Five Stripes put in comprehensive performances across the board. Their aggregate score of 7-2 in these MLS Cup Playoffs proves it.
With Atlanta advancing to the MLS Cup Final, see what we learned from the Eastern Conference final.
5. Defense wins championships
Although Atlanta United is known for their goal scoring and attacking prowess, it was their defense that made the difference in the conference final. The defense effectively shut down New York’s attacking chances and stayed calm and poised under stressful circumstances.
Atlanta had 21 tackles won during the return leg and 18 tackles won during the first leg. Those 39 tackles won are conversely comparable to New York’s 22 tackles won in that same span.
Defense played a huge part in the second leg. It was obvious that Atlanta’s game plan was to clear any opposing balls from New York, even when space presented itself to the visitors. Atlanta’s passing was an all time low 49%, and although that statistic by itself is pitiful, it was certainly by design.
Atlanta’s defense has taken a major step forward. With just a garbage, stoppage time goal conceded in the conference final, it is clear that the defense is improved and firing on all cylinders.