Atlanta United will host NYCFC on Sunday at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.
This will be the first rematch of the season for the Five Stripes after the boys in blue defeated them 3-1 at Yankee Stadium a few weeks ago.
Since that defeat, Atlanta United (4-4-3) has tied Portland 1-1 and defeated Houston 4-1, while NYCFC (6-4-2) tied at Dallas 1-1, lost at Real Salt Lake 2-1 and won at Orlando 3-0.
Dylan Butler has been reporting about soccer since graduating from St. John’s University in 1997. An ardent Newcastle United FC fan, he’s covered all levels, from youth to World Cup qualifiers and has been the New York City FC beat writer for MLSsoccer.com since the club’s inception. He is on twitter @Dylan_Butler
Butler was gracious enough to answer four questions about NYCFC ahead of Sunday’s game:
1. The game at Yankee Stadium was the worst that Atlanta United played this season. So, having watched NYCFC play a lot, did they do anything particularly well that game?
A: It was, to that point, the best performance of the season for NYCFC. David Villa showed why he is the reigning MLS MVP with an inspired performance days after a one-year contract extension, NYCFC only conceded the one goal – a spectacular effort by Carlos Carmona – their high pressure forced turnovers and they maintained control of the game late.
2. How does NYCFC lose at Real Salt Lake and then play so well in defeating Orlando City?
A: Patrick Vieira tried, and failed, to rotate his roster during a treacherous three games-in-three-different-time zones road trip. He took the blame for the loss at RSL because of the five changes to his starting XI and went with his strongest available lineup against Orlando City. The club also were inspired to end the road trip with a win after a disappointing loss and show they could beat Orlando City for the first time.
3. What is the key matchup this week?
A: Alex Ring vs Miguel Almiron. Quietly Ring has been a defensive force in midfield. He's been a huge reason why NYCFC is more defensively sound that last year. While I think the addition of Maxi Moralez is the most important move the team made in the off-season, scooping up Ring is a close second.
4. What is your prediction for the outcome?
A: NYCFC earned a reputation as one of the best road teams in MLS a year ago and they're picking up where they left off this year. Atlanta United certainly will be looking for a bounce-back win, but NYCFC pull out a 2-1 victory.
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