New York City FC took control of the pace and therefore the game in the second half.
NYCFC was up to run and chase with Atlanta United in the first half, but after halftime, NYCFC forced Atlanta to slow down and dictated tempo on their way to a 3-1 win in front of 25,605 at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
Earlier in the week, head coach Patrick Vieira stressed the importance of eliminating Atlanta’s attempts in the first 15 minutes. NYCFC did that, by matching Atlanta’s fiery efforts up and down the field. By the 17th minute, captain David Villa rewarded NYCFC for his contract extension by pinging a shot off the far post and in for his sixth goal of the season.