Gabriel Pereira’s goal in the 72nd minute equalized for New York City FC in a 1-1 home draw against 10-man Atlanta United on Saturday.
Franco Ibarra was issued a red card in the 62nd minute, but Atlanta (4-1-2, 14 points) recovered for a Georgios Giakoumakis header in the 70th minute for the game’s opening goal.
Both teams made multiple substitutions in the wake of Ibarra’s ejection, including Pereira’s entry in the 64th minute. Just eight minutes after entering the game, Pereira found just enough space in front of the box to launch a hard left-footed shot into the net for his second goal of the season.
Between the delays of the video review and multiple injury stoppages, 10 extra minutes were added onto the end of the second half. Neither NYCFC or the Five Stripes could find the go-ahead goal during this lengthy extra period, though New York City (2-2-3, 9 points) applied some dangerous pressure in the final minute.
A collision between Ibarra and James Sands in the 59th minute sent both players to the ground, and Sands was initially given a yellow card. However, after a video review, Sands’ caution was removed and Ibarra was ejected from the game on a straight red card.
Down to only 10 players, Atlanta United kept pressing, with its two star attackers leading the way. In the 70th minute, Thiago Almada’s cross found Giakoumakis at the back post to give Atlanta the lead.
It was Giakoumakis’ third goal in his five MLS games. Almada earned his fifth assist in six games played this season, along with Almada’s own four goals scored.
Goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Luis Barraza each made two saves. Guzan had to make a quick response on Gabriel Segal’s back-heel attempt in the 33rd minute, while Barraza jumped to deny Amar Sejdic’s header in the 52nd minute.
New York City FC is 2-0-1 at home this season, and 0-2-2 on the road.
–Field Level Media
