Atlanta United gave its home crowd something to celebrate Saturday night. In its first match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since May 9, the Five Stripes rallied from an early deficit to defeat Red Bull New York 2-1, earning all three points behind second-half goals from Tristan Muyumba and Fafa Picault.
The night also featured a milestone for Miguel Almirón, who tied Atlanta United’s all-time assist record, while Adrian Gill made his MLS debut.
New York struck first in the sixth minute when Emil Forsberg finished a quick attacking sequence to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Atlanta goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos helped keep the deficit at one with a strong save in the 20th minute, denying Forsberg another near-post opportunity.
The Five Stripes nearly equalized six minutes later.
Almirón broke free down the left side before finding Muyumba in front of an open net, but the midfielder’s attempt sailed over the crossbar.
Atlanta went into halftime trailing, but the momentum shifted in the second half.
In the 69th minute, the Five Stripes finally found their breakthrough.
After a flowing buildup involving Cooper Sanchez, Tomás Jacob and Alexey Miranchuk, the ball found Muyumba just outside the box. Muyumba stepped forward and curled a beautiful shot into the top-right corner to level the match at 1-1.
Then came the winner.
In the 82nd minute, Almirón and Miranchuk worked a short corner before Almirón delivered a deep cross toward the back post.
Picault rose to meet it and powered a header toward goal. New York goalkeeper Ethan Horvath got a hand on the ball, but he could not keep it out.
The goal gave Atlanta a 2-1 advantage and delivered a long-awaited home victory.
Almirón’s assist on the winner also moved him into a tie for the most assists in Atlanta United history, adding another milestone to his memorable career with the club.
For a Five Stripes team that has endured its share of frustrating results this season, the comeback offered an important reminder of what this group can produce when it stays composed and finishes opportunities.
Atlanta United improves to 4-12-3 with 15 points.After waiting more than three months to play another league match in front of the home crowd, Atlanta made its return count.
And this time, the Five Stripes finished the comeback.
The Five Stripes return to action Wednesday, Aug. 19, when they travel to Allianz Field to face Minnesota United. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
