MLS
Atlanta United Reach MLS Cup Final
Coming back from a 0-3 deficit is something usually saved for video games. New York were looking to bounce back after a pitiful performance in the first leg. The number one defense were no where to be found giving up three goals to the highest scoring offense. A little home comfort is what the young superstar Tyler Adams may have just needed for his early promising career. The Red Bull’s priority would be obvious, but could not allow themselves destroying their own destiny with critical mistakes. The mental battle between patience and urgency is something that would grapple the Red Bull’s game plan.
Martinez Moment
Only 16 seconds in the game Josef Martinez found himself in behind the defense and almost ending the Red Bull’s euphoric dreams. The Atlanta forward’s heat check is something to always be aware of. Atlanta’s game plan was pretty clear from the get go. United would not take any chance of playing out of the back as usual and put all their marbles on the counter attack. Halfway through, Gressel would see an amazing chance off a deflection. Once again, Robles came to the save to keep the Red Bulls still in the game. Although the urgency was there, New York only managed just one shot on goal in the first half.
Only In New York
New York would begin the second half exactly where they started. The Red Bull’s lack of creativity in the final third has them still looking up hill. Frustration would set in at the 63rd minute when Parker would level Almiron and sending him to the deck in a frustration foul. The Red Bulls would have the majority of the possession, but would continue to fall flat in the finishing department. New York would grab a goal in the closing seconds of the game only to see their post season come to an end losing on a 1-3 aggregate score.
The Dream Continues
In United’s short stint of existence, they have never scored at Red Bull Arena, luckily that was not needed tonight. United were able to hold on their aggregate advantage and will now be hosting the MLS Cup final. The run that Atlanta has experienced has been one of the most incredible runs an expansion team has seen in North American sports. Atlanta will hope to cap off this dream season and send coach Tata Martino off with a championship. The Argentine is expected to be Mexico’s next head coach. Atlanta average an audience of roughly seventy thousand at their home stadium. As a result, the scene will be electric when the Portland Timbers come to town on December 8th.
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