Atlanta United returned to winning ways in their last home match of the 2024 regular season, piping the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in a game full of tension, intense battles, and defining moments-but most importantly, it delivered the much-needed victory that keeps their MLS playoff hopes alive. With the win, Atlanta stays in the playoff race at the back of a combination of results required to pass into the knockout stages.
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A Decisive Game with First to Last Minute Pressure
Going into the match against the New York Red Bulls, Atlanta United knew exactly how important it would be to grab the three points. Now sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference with 34 points, they knew it would take a win and also a little more loss action from direct competitors such as Toronto FC, Philadelphia Union, and DC United, all on 37 points. Luckily for Atlanta, Toronto lost to Inter Miami, boosting the 5-Stripes' chances.
Interim head coach Rob Valentino kept things simple: all attention on their own performance. "We just need to win our games and put pressure on the other teams," Valentino said. That no-nonsense approach seemed to be the key to Atlanta stepping onto the field with the right mindset—and that's exactly what they did.
The match started explosively. In the first half of the match, Stian Gregersen almost gave Atlanta a lead; however, New York Red Bulls' goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made an exceptional save. Atlanta continued to push, and in the second half, the course of events changed absolutely.
Turning Point: Penalty and Cards
The second half of the game saw the balance scattered in dramatic events. During the 66 minutes, NYRB's Dylan Nealis was sent off after fouling Edwin Mosquera, hence forcing the Red Bulls to see out the rest of the game a man down. That red card proved to be pivotal, and within a few minutes, things flared up again with more yellow cards shown to add more drama.
On the 69′, the referee decided to award a penalty to Atlanta United. Alexey Miranchuk coolly and precisely converted it, putting Atlanta in front. Ironically enough, that was Miranchuk's second penalty of the season against the Red Bulls. The funny part? Both were match-defining moments.
Tyler Wolff's Big Moment
While the penalty of Miranchuk put Atlanta in the lead, it was Wolff who made sure that their guests leave without any hopes of coming back into the match. Well into the injury time and after a brilliant long ball by Miranchuk, Wolff had found himself in a 1-on-1 situation with Red Bulls' goalkeeper Carlos Coronel. With all cool, Wolff slotted it home for his first goal of the season, much to the delight of the Atlanta crowd.
Wolff described the moment succinctly: "I knew Miranchuk has an incredible left foot. I stayed more central, waiting for the ball, and when it came, I just tried to stay calm." And that he did, keeping his cool, making the right decision, and delivering the final blow in a match Atlanta couldn't afford to lose.
The Energy That Made the Difference
One of the main things that coach Valentino pointed out was the energy of the team and in the stadium during the game. He noticed there was much greater change in this team's behavior and the atmosphere compared to their other matches. "It felt different," Valentino observed. "The intensity, the commitment, the belief in each other. everything felt different today.".
This change in attitude might be the lack that Atlanta United had been missing to be competitive again. Recently, the team was suffering from a total lack of intensity and-most important-not knowing how to seize an advantage from a match. Everything changed against the Red Bulls. Aggressive, in sync, and most of all-knowing how to make the most of the chances coming their way.
On the Road to Decision Day
With this victory, Atlanta United keeps their playoff hopes alive, but they still need several favorable results to fall their way. The final game of the regular season will be against rival Orlando City in what is being called Decision Day, a match sure to bring drama and excitement. In order for Atlanta to find themselves in the playoffs, they must win and hope for a few missteps from their direct competitors.
Coach Valentino made it clear that the team is focused and confident. "We knew it was all or nothing. This group has what it takes, and if we keep this energy, we can get what we need," he said during the post-match interview.