Atlanta United Downs New York Red Bulls 2-1
- E Lopez
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
August 15, 2026 Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta, Georgia
The New York Red Bulls dropped a 2-1 decision over Atlanta United in front of 38,649 spectators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Red Bulls were unable to hold on to an early lead as Atlanta rallied in the second half.
The Red Bulls went into the match looking for a result that would keep them in a playoff position, while Atlanta looked to end a seven-match winless streak. New York would get off to a quick start as forward Julian Hall would play a ball to the top of the box to midfielder Adri Mehmeti, who would thread a pass into the box to the feet of midfielder Emil Forsberg, and the Swede would strike the ball into the top left corner. Forsberg's sixth minute goal would give Red Bulls an early 1-0 lead. After the goal New York would take control of the first half and limit Atlanta's attack, allowing very few quality looks. Red Bull would dictate the rhythm of the match, and keep Atlanta chasing the ball. Atlanta would show quality at times with former Barcelona Academy product Adrian Gill dictating play for the Georgia side. Despite some quality sequences Red Bull would take a well-deserved 1-0 lead into the break.
Atlanta would come out of the break looking like a side that was desperate for a result. Nevertheless, New York would force Atlanta back into their defensive third as they persisted in their pursuit of a second goal. Atlanta would find a way in the 71st minute, defender Tomas Jacob would send a cross to the top of the box by midfielder Alexey Miranchuck who would play a one-time pass toward Tristan Muyumba who would curl a right footed shot into the top right corner to level the match at one. The home side would find the match winner in the 82nd minute. Paraguyan forward Miguel Almiron would play a cross far post to forward Fafa Picault who would head the ball into the bottom left corner and give Atlanta a 2-1 lead. In search of late equalizer, Red Bulls would throw numbers forward in the late stages of the match, which included eight minutes of added time, but Atlanta's defense would hold strong and close out the 2-1 victory.
Michael Bradley's side once again showed the defensive frailties that have plagued his side all season. It will be very difficult for New York to secure a playoff spot if they continue to concede an average of two goals per match. Meanwhile, Atlanta United hopes this result will propel them to a strong finish in a very disappointing season.
Red Bull New York 1, Atlanta United FC 2
Scoring Summary:
NY – Emil Forsberg 3 (Mehmeti, Hall) 6’
ATL – Tristan Muyumba 3 (Miranchuk, Jacob) 69’
ATL – Fafa Picault 3 (Almiron, Miranchuk) 82’
Misconduct Summary:
ATL – Tomas Jacob (caution, foul) 48’
ATL – Fafa Picault (caution, foul) 83’
ATL – Elias Baez (caution, foul) 84’
NY – Mohammed Sofo (caution, foul) 90’+5’
Red Bull New York: Ethan Horvath; Matthew Dos Santos (Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, 79’), Julian Bazan, Justin Che, Dylan Nealis, Adri Mehmeti (Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, 86’), Ronald Donkor, Emil Forsberg © (Mohammed Sofo, 79’), Cade Cowell (Cameron Harper , 79’), Julian Hall, Mijahir Jiménez (Jorge Ruvalcaba, 69’)
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Nehuen Benedetti, Tim Parker, Omar Valencia
Atlanta United FC: Lucas Hoyos; Elias Baez (Ronald Hernandez, 80’), Junior Alonso, Matthew Edwards (Stian Gregersen, 69’), Tomas Jacob, Adrian Gill, Cooper Sanchez (Steven Alzate, 80’), Tristian Muyumba, Miguel Almiron © (Luke Brennan, 86’), Fafa Picault (Sergio Santos, 86’), Alexey Miranchuk
Unused Subs: Adyn Torres, Cayman Togashi, Jayden Hibbert, Ignacio Suarez-Couri
Match Stats:
Possession: NYRB 58% - ATL 42%
Total Shots: NYRB 9 - ATL 10
Shots on Goal: NYRB 3 - ATL 3
Fouls: NYRB 12 - ATL 14
Corners: NYRB 7 - ATL 3
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