Atlanta United beats New York Red Bulls 3-0 in Leg One
ATLANTA (Nov. 25, 2018) — Atlanta United defeated New York Red Bulls 3-0 in Leg One of the Eastern Conference Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday in front 70,016 fans. Josef Martinez, Franco Escobar and Tito Villalba scored goals for Atlanta, while the defense allowed just one shot on target on six attempts.
The New York Red Bulls lost 3-0 to Atlanta United FC in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Championship Leg 1 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
After a half-hour chess match, Martinez opened the scoring on the match’s first shot attempt on target in the 32nd minute. Red Bulls’ defense allowed Jeff Larentowicz to walk into a dangerous area along the right wing where the veteran defender sent in a world-class cross over the head of Tim Parker and right off the chest of Martinez, who let the ball bounce twice before unleashing a rocket into the right corner, past Luis Robles.
Escobar added breathing room in the 71st minute when he ripped a left-footed shot into the upper right corner of the goal. Miguel Almirón started the play, splitting the New York defense with a through ball to Julian Gressel, who immediately crossed back through the box where it ultimately found Escobar who perfectly struck the ball on his first touch.
Villalba sealed the match with a much-deserved goal deep in stoppage time. After hitting the post a few minutes earlier, Villalba found space in the midfield, roughly 30 yards from goal, to take a pass from Escobar. He then dribbled near the edge of the box and ripped a left-footed shot right into the left corner that left Robles no chance to make a save.
Atlanta will travel to Harrison, New Jersey for Leg Two of the Eastern Conference Championships to be held on Thursday, Nov. 29 at Red Bull Arena (7:30 p.m., FS1, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).
Josef Martínez sets the MLS single-season record with 34 total goals (31 regular season, 3 postseason). Roy Lassiter had 33 in 1996.
Atlanta supporters are no strangers to impressive and imposing pregame displays, including a recent tribute for soon-to-be former coach Tata Martino during the second leg of a Conference Semifinal victory over New York City FC earlier this month.
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