Atlanta United (9-3-2) are looking to keep hold of top spot in the Supporters’ Shield standings as they head to the Big Apple for one of the toughest road matches of the season against second-placed NYCFC (8-3-3). The teams’ past three meetings have resulted in a win for each side and a draw, so it should be a competitive fixture once again as the top two teams face off for a key regular season match. Here are the players Atlanta United will have to keep a keen eye on this weekend to make sure they come out on top:
Midfield Anchor
Some unfortunate news came to NYCYFC this week with the announcement that Yangel Herrera, a key defensive presence in the center of their midfield, will miss the remainder of the season with injury. With midfield standout Alex Ring being shuffled into the back line as of late, it makes the role of Ebenezer Ofori even more prominent in the center of the park. The Ghanaian center midfielder joined the club on loan from Bundesliga side Stuttgart at the start of this season and has grown into the team with eleven appearances so far this year. He’s a dynamic box-to-box player with impressive workrate. But Atlanta United may be able to prey on his inexperience on the defensive side in the absence of a strong holding midfielder next to him.
The Legend
It's impossible to talk about NYCFC without talking Spanish soccer legend David Villa, the 2016 MLS MVP and focal point of the Cityzens' attack since its inception into the league. He's still creating a goal every game, with eight goals and three assists in eleven matches so far this year. He was rested and came off the bench in last weekend's match against Orlando City, but couldn't create much against the New York Red Bulls in the midweek U.S. Open Cup that ended in a 4-0 loss for the blue side of New York. The team proved in his absence earlier this year that it had the weapons to win matches without him, but he remains an elite scorer when he's been on the pitch.
Scandinavian Striker
While Villa and Jesus Medina capture many of the headlines in the NYCFC front line, Norwegian forward Jo Inge Berget has been a consistent presence in the attack. At 6’1” he looks more like a striker but he’s played as a winger for Patrick Vieira’s side. While he’s not a traditional speedy winger, he has the class on the ball to beat players on the dribble, and his long stride makes him deceptively quick when he gets up to speed in space. And with experience against top European sides like Real Madrid in the Champions in his European career, Berget has the background to not be phased by a big match like this one. He was a threat all 90 minutes against Atlanta United earlier this season, earning the first penalty that got the Cityzens back in the match. The Five Stripes can’t let him sneak under the radar again this time around.
Follow Along
Saturday’s match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. EST, and will be broadcast on FOX Sports Southeast. Click here for everything you need to know about how to follow along from home.
