New York City FC failed to capitalize on Gabriel Pereira’s career match, as NYCFC draw Atlanta United. A late goal off the back of abysmal defending undid all of the squad’s hard work.
NYCFC fans were on cloud nine just after kickoff, as Gabi Pereira silenced the Mercedes Benz Stadium with an icy finish within the opening minute.
Gabi Pereira had every NYCFC fan on the eastern seaboard jumping for joy. But, as it is with NYCFC this season, good things don’t last. Within 10 minutes Atlanta United would find their equalizer, as Tyler Wolff was able to beat Luis Barraza at his near post. Simply put, Barraza can’t get five-holed from his own byline. That’s goalkeeping 101.
NYCFC 2 – 2 Atlanta: Rate the Players
Atlanta dominated head coach Nick Cushing’s men in nearly every offensive statistical category, while also controlling the midfield. Keaton Parks and Santiago Rodríguez, in particular, seemed most irritated, as the hosts bullied NYCFC both on and off the ball. After what was the first serious sign of attacking life from NYCFC in many games, the squad decided to lie down and let United run wild.
Atlanta finished with 12 shots, compared to just the three from NYCFC. For a system designed to flourish in transition and attack, that is dreadful.
Though the squad seemed deflated and lethargic at times, Gabriel Pereira was the continuous shining light for NYCFC. His second goal of the game flipped the match on its head, and stunned United. The Brazilian loves scoring against Atlanta: Tonight he bagged the fourth and fifth goals of his career against the Five Stripes.
NYCFC vs Atlanta highlights
Atlanta continued to for an equalizer, but the clock continued to wind down. As the minutes ticked away, expectations began to emerge in the NYCFC camp. Could the winless streak finally snap? Did Cushing figure it out?
No, it did not. And no, he did not.
In peak NYCFC fashion, United debutant Nicolas Firmino, an Atlanta United 2 player who signed a temporary First Team contract earlier this month, came on in the 87th minute. He was left unmarked at the back post in stoppage time with half the goal to aim at.
Poor defending giving away a result: Where have we seen that before?
