Traoré Stoppage Time Goal Secures NYCFC Playoff Push
A 28-yard free kick and a late winner lifted New York City FC to a 2-1 win over Atlanta United, keeping their race for the final Eastern Conference berth alive.
By Stella Brooks ·
For the thousands of fans packed into Citi Field on Wednesday night, the wait for their team's next victory ended in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. Bénie Traoré, a 23-year-old first-year forward, struck the winning goal to give New York City FC a 2-1 lead over Atlanta United.
The result snapped a six-game winless streak for NYCFC at the home of the Major League Baseball Mets. The club had not won since defeating Real Salt Lake 2-0 on September 12. With this victory, NYCFC improved to a record of 9-12-11 and moved within one point of the New York Red Bulls, who hold the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
New York City FC took an early lead in the second half when Nicolás Fernández converted a free kick from 28 yards out in the 70th minute. It marked his 16th goal of the season and his first in seven matches. Atlanta United responded quickly, with Breel Embolo equalizing in the 88th minute via a header, his fourth goal in his first 10 MLS appearances.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese made five saves for NYCFC to secure the win, while Lucas Hoyos stopped four shots for Atlanta. The two teams had met in September, resulting in a 2-2 draw in Atlanta. The win moves NYCFC to a 5-6-5 record at home, while Atlanta United falls to 4-7-4 on the road.
Both clubs have one match remaining in the regular season. Atlanta United will host Toronto FC on Sunday, and New York City FC will face CF Montreal on Saturday. The outcome of these final fixtures will determine which team advances to the postseason.
