New York City FC earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atlanta United FC at Citi Field on Wednesday. Nicolás Fernández opened the scoring with a superb free kick in the 70th minute before Breel Embolo equalized for Atlanta in the 88th minute. Substitute Bénie Traoré delivered the game-winner deep into stoppage time, curling home a brilliant effort to secure three vital points.
The victory kept NYCFC’s postseason hopes alive while officially eliminating Atlanta United FC from playoff contention for the second consecutive season.
Key Highlights & Goals
Nicolás Fernández scored off a free kick from 28 yards out to give NYCFC a 1-0 lead in the 70th minute. It was his 16th goal of the season and his first in the last seven matches.
Breel Embolo answered with the equalizer in the 88th minute, heading it in for his fourth goal in his first 10 MLS matches.
Bénie Traoré scored the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time. It was the second goal in 17 appearances this season for the 23-year-old first-year forward.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese totaled five saves for NYCFC throughout the match.
The game went back and forth through a scoreless first half. Atlanta United controlled most of the possession throughout the match and generated numerous opportunities, but NYCFC remained strong and capitalized on their chances to secure another crucial late-game win.
The Playoff Race
This performance highlights the squad’s fight and determination to play until the final whistle. Despite putting themselves in a challenging position, NYCFC remains alive with two matches left in the regular season. However, they will also need results elsewhere to break into the postseason field:
- Columbus Crew: Hold the final qualifying spot with 41 points.
- Red Bull New York & Toronto FC: Tied with 39 points.
- NYCFC: Right behind with 38 points.
NYCFC must win both of their remaining matches and hope for favorable results from the teams above them. Regardless of outside speculation, the team maintains full belief in their ability to secure that final postseason berth.
Looking Ahead
NYCFC next plays at home against CF Montréal on Saturday. Although Montréal is currently last in the Eastern Conference and eliminated from contention, NYCFC must treat the match with full seriousness to secure three vital points before their regular-season finale on November 7.
