City Derails Atlanta United

Tonight, New York City FC returned to the big ballpark in the Bronx to face Atlanta United and their former Head Coach, Ronny Deila, who won them their only MLS Cup Championship. Unlike the match when they had the lead and lost it at Mercedes Benz Stadium, this time City put their foot on Atlanta’s throat and won by a final score of four goals to nil.

There was a big sigh of relief from NYCFC as their starting goalkeeper, Tomas Romero looked to have collided with Jamal Thiare inside the area, as VAR took a look to see if there should’ve been a penalty called, but after the review, the referee announced no penalty as the collision wasn’t deliberate.

Nothing was going on in the opening half till the 44th minute when City finally opened the scoring. Once again, Atlanta United found another way to give a free shot to their opponents as Brooks Lennon gave the ball away to Hannus Wolf. He passed it to Maxi Moralez down the far side and scored inside the front post.

In the second half, City continued their pressure and scored some huge goals to gain the advantage. In the 55th minute, Andres Perea got the ball along the far side, then made a move toward the center of the pitch and made a pass to Mounsef Bakrar. He one-timed his shot, bending it inside the far post.

Then it became the Hannus Wolf show as he carried a heavy heart into the match. 10 children at a high school were killed by a gunman who shot at the students in Graz, Austria. Wolf made sure he connected his chances on the pitch in this match.

Wolf scored twice within three minutes apart, and got his first goal of the night in the 57th minute. As City was bringing the ball up the pitch, they made several passes until the ball got to Moralez, and he led Wolf for the scoring chance. Held up his run inside the area and just scored it inside the far post. His goal celebration showed him lifting his jersey and gave a message of hope on the horrible tragedy.

His second goal of the match came in the 59th minute, as Justin Haak delivered the killer pass down the middle of the pitch, Wolf got on his horse and attacked the net. He tried to chip Brad Guzan, and just got enough of it to go by him. Even though Guzan either missed the ball or got his fingertips on it, the ball still rolled harmfully into the far post.

“I mean, always good to score, of course, and always better if you win. It was nice feeling in Nashville too, but we adjusted, and got one point there. But at home, especially in front of our fans, it’s always nice to score two goals and get the three points. I think we played very good today and we want to keep going,” said Hannus Wolf.

“I hope you can see the progress we’re making as a team because consistency is still our most important word for this season, becoming more consistent. It looks like it’s heading in that direction, but we have to be aware of the fact that we have to work so hard in order to get these achievements done. The guys who had to step up today, I see them every day in training, and I know for a fact that it’s very hard to accept that there’s a better player on your spot. You have to be patient and give your best at everything that you have inside you every day in training in order to be competitive, and that’s what they do.” Said Head Coach Pascal Jansen,”  That is the only way to be prepared for when it is your moment. Tomás [Romero] showed it today, coming behind Matt Freese, who is one of the best goalies in the country and that’s why he’s with the national team, and he [Tomás Romero] stepped up today. He started a little shaky, but he stepped up. Tana [Strahinja Tanasijević] had to wait for his moment, stepped up today. I’m happy that Pepe [Andres Perea] is back again and we could give minutes to Kevin O’Toole again. It shows the commitment of the whole squad and how important it is to be ready all the time.” 

A clean sheet victory for Tomas Romero as he made his first start in League play for NYCFC, made all three saves during eight total shots in his clean sheet victory, while Matt Freese is on Gold Cup duty with the US Men’s National Team.

NYCFC will travel to Stade Saputo as they take on CF Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at 7:30 PM EDT on Saturday, June 28th. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV.

HANNUS WOLF: Scored two goals and an assist, his seventh & eighth of the season, along with his third assist of the season.

MAXI MORALEZ: Scored his second of the season, along with his fourth assist.

MOUNSEF BAKRAR: Scored his second goal of the season

ANDRES PEREA: Earned his first assist of the season.

JUSTIN HAAK: Earned his third assist of the season

TOMAS ROMERO: Earned his first win with NYCFC in the victory over Atlanta United in his first match. Made all three saves with three shots on goal.