Atlanta United lost 4-1 to New York City FC on Wednesday night in a horrendous performance. The defense shipped four goals, including three fatal mistakes from defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. New York’s Alexandru Mitrita scored a hat-trick in the first half, becoming the first player to do so against Atlanta. Pity Martinez, meanwhile, notched Atlanta’s only goal on a penalty drawn by Brandon Vazquez.
Atlanta missed out on a huge opportunity at claiming the top spot in the East. A win would have pulled the Five Stripes within one point of NYCFC, but instead, the team is now seven points back with just two matches remaining.