ATLANTA — Atlanta United returns to action Sunday to take on Eastern Conference opponent New York City FC at Bobby Dodd Stadium for the second meeting this season between the two clubs.
NYCFC won the first match 3-1 on May 7 at Yankee Stadium. Two of the league’s highest scoring teams will square off as Atlanta leads MLS in goals with 24 and NYCFC is tied for second with 22. Atlanta will play in front of a sellout-crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium for the fifth consecutive time this season. The match, which is presented by Equifax, is scheduled to kick-off at 5 p.m. EST and will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Atlanta enters Sunday’s match following a 4-1 win against Houston Dynamo on May 20 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Miguel Almirón scored his first hat trick for Atlanta, netting a pair of goals in the first half and later converting a penalty kick in the second half. The Paraguayan was named MLS Player of the Week and also won MLS Goal of the Week for his first goal, the second time he’s won the award this season. Rookie midfielder Julian Gressel also tallied his second goal in as many games, and Homegrown player Andrew Carleton made his professional debut as a substitute in the 86th minute. Erick Torres scored a late penalty for Houston, but the Dynamo could not overcome a strong team performance from the home side.
New York City FC topped rival Orlando City 3-0 on May 21 in Orlando City Stadium, handing the Lions their first loss in their new stadium. David Villa scored a brace to bring his season total to eight goals. Rodney Wallace also netted his fourth goal of the season. Orlando striker Cyle Larin had an opportunity to cut the deficit in half with a penalty attempt in the 64th minute, but his shot hit the post and bounced out of play.
