ATLANTA - Three quick thoughts after New York Red Bulls overcame a 1-0 half-time deficit to beat Atlanta United 2-1 in the MLS expansion team's debut match.
1. Atlanta exciting despite the defeat
Atlanta United's roster looked good on paper, with exciting young designated players like Miguel Almiron, Josef Martinez and Hector Villalba alongside proven MLS veterans such as Jeff Larentowicz, Tyrone Mears and captain Michael Parkhurst. And under "Tata" Martino, the former coach of Barcelona and the Argentina national team, the team also looked good on the field. Games are not played on paper, and newcomers to this parity driven league have historically had a rough time of it in maiden seasons.