Benie Traore’s spectacular goal five minutes into second-half stoppage time gave New York City FC a critical 2-1 win over visiting Atlanta United on Wednesday.
Traore came off the bench as a substitute for Hannes Wolf in the 90th minute, and needed only five minutes to find his second goal of the season. The forward launched a well-placed shot from just outside the goal arc that found the back of the net, in a potentially season-saving goal for his club.
New York City (9-12-11, 38 points) remains in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, but only one point back of the ninth and final East playoff berth.
NYCFC won for just the second time in their last 15 regular-season matches (2-6-7), and Wednesday’s result ended a six-match (0-3-3) winless drought.
Nicolas Fernandez Mercau scored his team-leading 16th goal for NYCFC in the 70th minute.
Matt Freese stopped five of six Atlanta shots on target. The New York City FC goalkeeper performed well despite playing through some obvious discomfort, as Freese needed on-field treatment three separate times in the match.
The loss eliminated Atlanta (8-18-6, 30 points) from postseason contention. The Five Stripes needed to win all three of their remaining matches to have even a slim chance at the playoffs.
Breel Embolo scored for the Five Stripes, and Lucas Hoyos stopped four of six shots on target.
Embolo seemingly had the game’s opening tally in the 21st minute, but a video review erased the would-be goal due to an offsides call. Atlanta outshot NYCFC 9-3 in the first half, with Freese making a trio of impressive saves to keep the match scoreless.
In the 68th minute, Fernandez Mercau drew a foul that resulted in a yellow card for Atlanta’s Tristan Muyumba and a free kick just outside the goal arc. Two minutes later, Fernandez Mercau made no mistake with a brilliant left-footed shot for the go-ahead goal.
Embolo delivered the equalizer in the 88th minute, heading in a rebound after Miguel Almiron’s initial shot deflected off the goalpost.
NYCFC striker Alonso Martinez left the pitch in the 28th minute with an apparent right leg injury.
–Field Level Media
