Atlanta United: 5 must-watch matches in 2019
By Josh Bouland
3. May 19 @ New York Red Bulls
Atlanta United will get another opportunity to win their first game at Red Bull Arena. In fact, it will be another chance at their first goal in the Arena. The first meeting in Harrison, New Jersey resulted in a scoreless draw. Last year’s regular season match in Harrison was a 2-0 drubbing at the hands of the New York Red Bulls. Even in the postseason, New York won 1-0 despite Atlanta advancing on aggregate.
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Red Bull Arena is a black hole for the Five Stripes. There are three stadiums Atlanta United has yet to score in: CenturyLink Field (Seattle), BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston), and Red Bull Arena. However, Atlanta has only traveled to Seattle and Houston once, so it’s disappointing that after three attempts in New Jersey the Five Stripes still have no goals to show for their efforts.
Hopefully, things change in May this year. In the past, Atlanta’s efforts were hampered by the coach’s inability to be tactically flexible. Atlanta was determined to play their style, even if it meant being unprepared and uncomfortable. With a new coach in place this season, this may be Atlanta’s chance to finally win (or even score a goal!) at Red Bull Arena.
No matter what the result of this match is, you can bet that both of these teams will be at or near the top of the table when they meet. Except for the first game of the 2017 season, New York and Atlanta have been above the playoff line in every meeting so far. Don’t expect this season to be any different.