Atlanta United, NYCFC collide as both look to improve

Field Level Media|published: Tue 16th July, 15:47 2024

Jul 13, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Atlanta United midfielder Bartosz Slisz (6) plays the ball in the first half against the CF Montreal at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Different issues confront New York City FC and host Atlanta United as they prepare for their match on Wednesday night.

Getting back on track is something that both sides have in common.

"I think it's about being ourselves," New York City coach Nick Cushing said. "It's about reflecting on previous performances, good and bad ones where we can improve."

NYCFC (11-9-3, 36 points) are winless in their past two outings, following up a 2-1 loss against Austin FC on July 6 with Saturday's scoreless draw against the Chicago Fire. New York also dropped three of its four matches in June.

Meanwhile, Atlanta (6-11-6, 24 points) hasn't won since June 29. Wednesday marks its first match at home since then after three on the road.

"I love playing at home in front of our fans," Atlanta United interim coach Rob Valentino said. "They're always supportive, even when they're upset. I understand that."

Atlanta has been outscored 8-3 during its three-match skid. Valentino said that since taking over, there have been discussions about how the team "can be a little bit more direct" when it comes to creating chances.

"In the transition moment, we had an opportunity to take a more aggressive decision, to get more shots," Valentino said about Saturday's 1-0 loss against CF Montreal.

New York City FC and Atlanta United played to a 1-1 draw on April 6. Santiago Rodriguez scored on a first-half penalty kick for host NYCFC, while Atlanta's Jamal Thiare tied the match in the 65th minute.

"They might have had some key departures, but they still have a lot of quality in that team and an interim coach that's changed the shape," Cushing said of Atlanta United. "They now play in three in the back."

Only one of Rodriguez's eight goals this season have come in a road match. In 10 matches since the first meeting with New York, Thiare has scored twice for a season total of five goals.

NYCFC will be without midfielder James Sands on Wednesday because of yellow card accumulation. Teammate Andres Perea's status is up in the air after the midfielder left Saturday's match against Chicago with an injury.

Defenders Stian Gregersen and Noah Cobb aren't available for Atlanta.

--Field Level Media

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