HARRISON, N.J. — Atlanta United played to a 0-0 draw against New York Red Bulls on Sunday night in front of 25,219 fans at Red Bull Arena. Brad Guzan made three saves to preserve his fifth consecutive clean sheet with Atlanta. Guzan hasn’t allowed a goal in 482 minutes, which is now the 10th longest streak in MLS history.
Atlanta controlled play for much of the first half and had arguably its best chance to score in the sixth minute. Tito Villalba lofted a cross for Yamil Asad, who headed it on goal, but was denied by a diving save from Luis Robles. In the second half, Atlanta again opened with a good scoring chance with Villalba breaking free on goal, but his attempt deflected off defender Aaron Long and into Robles’ chest.
Defensively, Atlanta posted its fifth shutout over the last six matches, and the club’s seventh over the last nine. Jeff Larentowicz made a game-high eight interceptions, tying him for the fifth-best mark this season. Larentowicz also had a pair of crucial clearances inside the Atlanta penalty area during the first half.
Atlanta United (15-9-9, 54 points) returns to action Sunday, Oct. 22 when it takes on Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be televised on FOX Sports South.
Atlanta can clinch a home playoff game in the Eastern Conference Knockout Round with a win over Toronto FC on Sunday, or a Columbus loss to NYCFC. The club can still move into second place in the Eastern Conference – earning a bye into the conference semifinals – with a win over Toronto, coupled with both NYCFC and Chicago Fire dropping points (draw or loss) in their respective matches.
