New York Red Bulls 2, Atlanta United 0: Player ratings

My ratings for Atlanta United's players after Sunday's 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls:

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, 6: Almost passed it right to a Red Bulls player 20 yards from goal in the ninth minute. ... Called for a penalty in the 24th minute, but it was correctly overturned after a review. ... Saved a PK by Kaku. ... Not as accurate as he typically is with distribution, but that's in large part because the Red Bulls were man-making players all over Atlanta United's half of the field on re-starts.

Right wingback Julian Gressel, 5: Fascinating matchup with Kemar Lawrence, arguably the league's best fullback and who went right by him in the opening minutes, setting up a header that New York should have taken advantage of. ... Given a yellow card in the 43rd minute after clashing with Lawrence. ... Struggled with his passing and defense throughout the game.

Centerback Jeff Larentowicz, 5:

Like his teammates, he struggled to make an impact. ... Had one of Atlanta United’s better scoring chances in the second half, but couldn’t convert. ...

Centerback Michael Parkhurst, 5: Cut out cross after cross throughout the game. ...

Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, 6: Nice recovery to stop Brian White in a one-on-one in the 12th minute. ... Struggled to complete passes, which is again what the Red Bulls' press is designed to do. ...

Left wingbackChris McCann, 5: Called for a handball in the penalty box in the 39th minute, which resulted in the Red Bulls' opening goal. ...

Defensive midfielder Eric Remedi, 6: Made a 70-yard run in the 18th minute to break up a Red Bulls counter ... Got back early in the second half to stop Kaku in a one-on-one. ... He and Nagbe failed to control the middle of the field in the first half. They had more success in second half, but by that time New York had called off the press and was conserving energy.

Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, 6: Consistently worked out of tight spaces within the Red Bulls' withering press in the first half, but seldom failed to start any attacks. ...

Midfielder Miguel Almiron, 6: Stopped by Luis Robles in the 10th minute in a one-on-one. ... Struggled to make an impact throughout the game.

Midfielder Hector Villalba, 5: Had a couple of chances to take a shot, but couldn't get the ball out from under his feet. ... Had scored in three consecutive games.

Striker Josef Martinez, 5: Rarely received the ball in a position to do anything, which was a result of New York's outstanding defense and press.

SUBS

Ezequiel Barco (on for Nagbe, 68th minute), 5:

No impact at all.

Brandon Vazquez (on for Martinez, 77th minute), 5.5: