Atlanta United x New York Red Bulls
Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls Battle to Scoreless Draw in Hard-Fought Contest
Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls played to a tense 0-0 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 8, 2025, in a match where defensive discipline outshone attacking quality. Despite moments of promise from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock, leaving them to settle for a share of the points.
From the opening whistle, Atlanta United looked the more aggressive of the two teams, pressing high and trying to exploit gaps in the Red Bulls’ defense. Saba Lobjanidze and Xande Silva were lively on the wings, delivering dangerous crosses into the box, but the finishing touch was nowhere to be found.
Giorgos Giakoumakis, usually clinical in front of goal, saw his best effort in the first half denied by New York goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, who was sharp throughout the match. Despite controlling possession, Atlanta struggled to turn their attacking movements into clear-cut chances, a frustrating pattern that continued into the second half.
As the game progressed, the Red Bulls began to grow into the contest, leaning on their high-pressing system to force Atlanta into mistakes. The visitors’ best chance of the night came in the 65th minute when defender Noah Eile found himself unmarked in the box, only to send his shot sailing over the crossbar.
Both teams made substitutions in hopes of injecting fresh energy into their attacks, but the match remained a tactical chess match rather than an open, end-to-end affair. The Red Bulls’ compact defensive shape stifled Atlanta’s creativity, while the Five Stripes’ backline, anchored by Derrick Williams and Luis Abram, held firm against New York’s counterattacks.
As the clock ticked down, Atlanta pushed forward in search of a late winner, but Coronel and the Red Bulls defense stood their ground. When the final whistle blew, both teams walked away with a point—though it felt like two lost rather than one gained.
[Photography by Dave Williamson]
