This was certainly a thrilling matchup on Supporters’ Day for the New York Red Bulls. Taking on Atlanta United FC, the side managed to give one of hottest teams in MLS quite a fight. Both sides took this match very seriously, despite both having secured a spot in the Playoffs. Despite both sides having very good chances, the match ended in a scoreless deadlock.
New York Red Bulls Draw Atlanta United 0-0: Three Takeaways
Red Bulls Looked to be in Control
The Red Bulls had very shaky starts to both the first and second half. If not for a couple huge saves by Luis Robles, Atlanta could have very well had a multiple goal lead. However, after ten minutes passed in both halves the Red Bulls were able to settle down and get control of the game. They out-possessed Atlanta 56-44 and also out shot them 13-9 in the match. This match should certainly be a confidence booster despite not getting three points in the end.
Foul Heavy Match
By the final whistle, this match had 27 fouls committed in total with Atlanta committing more then twice as many fouls as the Red Bulls. Despite committing 19 fouls, Atlanta was only issued two yellow cards throughout the match. If cooler heads didn’t prevail, the officiating crew could have very well seen this game get out of hand and seen players getting injured. 19 fouls most certainly borders the line of persistent infringement. Head match official Alan Kelly certainly missed quite a few other fouls during the match. There is a fine line between letting the game flow and risking injury.
Success vs. Atlanta United FC
The Red Bulls were one of the few teams this season to have success against Atlanta. Back on March 5th, the team silenced a 55,000 sold out crowd at Atlanta as they roared back with two late goals to hand a loss to Atlanta in their first ever match. Since then, Atlanta has become the second highest scoring side in the league this season and has ran rampant through most of Major League Soccer.
However, once again the Red Bulls had a solid game plan for the offensive juggernaut holding them to a goalless night. Taking four points out of six and only allowing one goal in the process should give the Red Bulls confidence should they have to meet Atlanta in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Red Bulls are currently facing the Chicago Fire with one week left in the season.
Red Bulls Man of the Match: Luis Robles
No doubt this award goes to Luis Robles for his incredible stops throughout this match. The start of both halves saw Robles have to make very difficult saves to keep the score level. This has been an impressive stretch of back-to-back clean sheets for the Red Bulls goalkeeper. With the playoffs right around the corner the Red Bulls will need their Iron Man goalkeeper to be in top form. Robles will no doubt certainly have pressure on him with a very suspect and constantly changing back line.
