Conference Semis - Leg 2: ATL v NYC

Atlanta United vs. Abu Dhabi Football: New York Division
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
November 11 - 5:30 pm
ESPN

MLSsoccer.com preview here.
AJC.com Atlanta United page here.

Last week Atlanta notched their first ever playoff win in a decidedly chippy affair amidst the "cozy" confines of Yankee Stadium. Now the Stripes come home to The Benz and the chance to advance to the conference finals. One more step forward, one more obstacle in their path.

Last week the surging NYCFC faced an Atlanta franchise that played out of character, found the game more aggressively contested in their offensive end, and as a result got no shots on goal. They'll be decidedly more intent on undoing that trend tomorrow night, not the least of which because their season ends if they don't walk away with a win. Moralez and Villa have been vocal this week about how the ref needs to protect them from physical play, and they insisted the team recognized in practice this week ways they can improve on their own performance. While the wider field of MBS will be assumed more welcoming for Atlanta all that extra space will allow the Citehzens more space for their own first-rate ball handlers, as well. For Atlanta to deny them open shot opportunities they'll have more ground to cover their more desperate opponent. Expect NYCFC to play their usual high press and push their own players wide. I wouldn't be surprised to see a more aggressive lineup, with Berget making an early appearance to force Atlanta's defense into giving Villa more space.

The counter to this will be how well Atlanta uses the wider field to their own advantage and whether or not they can force the game onto NYC. Atlanta only needs to tie so every goal they add means pressure onto the visitors, and when NYC has to chase the game their defenders resort to more long-ball play and are susceptible to counterattacks. Herrera and Ring do well as the front line of NYC's defense but last week Sweat, Chanot and company did not produce the best man-marking display in MLS history and so Atlanta created many solid chances. Assuming Almiron is able to go the full 90 that should mean more quality opportunities for both he and Martinez.

AJC suggesting Larentowicz may be out and odds are Tito Villalba may start on the bench, as well, unless he showed significant recovery this week. No word on Bello's availability but Garza did ably last week and if in full fitness shouldn't prove a liability. The key, I think, will rest on having Remedi and Nagbe match their performance levels from last week. They'll need to hustle, hustle, hustle and really work to not only stifle NYC attacks but to show poise in holding the ball and allow Atlanta's own offense to build. Do that and the attacking players can prove their value as threats and keep NYC on their heels.

Also, for all those attending please check your tomatoes at the gate: Mark Geiger will be officiating tomorrow. Given the increasing animosity between the teams after last week I fear the ref will have an opportunity to influence the outcome. Fingers crossed, everyone.

The tenor of the game hinges on Atlanta's early form. Look strong, even if NYC gets and early goal, and home fans leave the venue happy. Struggle to build momentum and go down early then all the pressure will come back to roost. I'm penciling in 2-2 for now.

 

FT: ATL 3-1 NYC

Another solid display. Martinez got back on track with a superb half volley for the team's 3rd goal, Almiron was his usually sublime best shaping the flow and direction of the game, Nagbe and Gressel had stand out performances complementing those two in attack. Nagbe, in particular was really good in helping the Stripes manage the ball in tough times.

Guzan also had an excellent game, distribution aside. He made more saves than I would've preferred but we knew NYC would press heavily. Big Bald Brad earned his paycheck this week.

Even more impressive, I think Geiger had a good game as ref. We knew the match would be physical and that the teams' have a growing animosity toward one another, but he made the calls and showed cards when warranted.

LGP - Dude you need to learn to chill. Could've been carded last night twice.

Onward and upward.