Atlanta United vs. New York Red Bulls: Atlanta’s Attack Meets Coronel’s Wall For A 0-0 Draw
Matchday 3 - 3/8/2025
On a crisp March Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls battled to a scoreless draw in a match that showcased resilience, high-octane attacks, and a standout goalkeeping performance. With the current MLS season still finding its rhythm, this clash offered fans a glimpse of what’s to come from two Eastern Conference contenders. While the scoreboard remained untouched, the game was anything but dull—while Atlanta United didn’t dominate possession, they created chances, only to be thwarted by a rock in Carlos Coronel in the Red Bulls’ net.
Game Recap: A Hard-Fought 0-0 Draw Signals Progress for the Five Stripes
From the opening whistle, Atlanta United looked determined to shake off the defensive woes that plagued their first two matches of the 2025 season. While the Five Stripes didn’t control the tempo, when they were awarded the ball they definitely made the most of it. Their high-profile attacking quartet kept the Red Bulls’ backline on edge when they got possession, peppering the box with crosses and forcing New York into a deep defensive stance. Despite their ferocious attack throughout the game, Atlanta couldn’t find the breakthrough.
The Red Bulls, missing key attacking piece Lewis Morgan, leaned heavily on their goalkeeper, Carlos Coronel. The 28-year-old shot-stopper was nothing short of phenomenal, making six saves, many of them of quality, to keep his team in the game after the Red Bulls struggled to muster much going forward. His first-half heroics, including a sprawling stop to deny a close-range effort, set the tone for a frustrating night for Atlanta’s forwards.
For Atlanta, the return of Pedro Amador to the lineup proved a game-changer on the defensive end. The full-back, sidelined earlier this season with a hamstring issue, brought stability and composure to a backline that had looked shaky in prior outings. His presence allowed Atlanta to maintain a high press without leaving gaping holes at the back, a drastic improvement from the second-half collapses against Charlotte FC.
Player of the Match: Carlos Coronel
By my metrics, and echoed by the analyst desk, Carlos Coronel was the undisputed Player of the Match. His six saves earned New York a valuable road point against a fellow Eastern Conference contender. For a team that looked outmatched in chance creation, Coronel’s brilliance was the difference between a draw and a defeat.
Key Takeaway: Atlanta’s Defense is Rounding into Form
If there’s one thing to take from this 0-0 stalemate, it’s that Atlanta United’s defense is starting to find its footing. After conceding all four of their goals this season in the second half of their opening two matches, the Five Stripes delivered a clean sheet against a Red Bulls side that has historically been a tough outing. Pedro Amador’s return was pivotal, his ability to stretch the field and win duels gave Atlanta a solidity they’ve lacked. This performance suggests that head coach Ronny Deila might still have some work to do to solve the team’s late-game fragility, a critical step if they’re to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Offensively, there’s still work to do. Atlanta’s big-money attack misfired again despite creating chances, and they’ll need to convert dominance into goals to truly capitalize on nights like this. But the defensive progress is a promising sign, especially against New York.
While a 0-0 draw might be what the Five Stripes faithful wanted, Atlanta United fans should feel encouraged by this performance. The Five Stripes played very well, showing a renewed defensive resolve bolstered by Pedro Amador’s return. Carlos Coronel’s brilliance denied them three points, but the clean sheet and their ability to thwart attacks in transition defense proved to be what they needed after struggling in that department for the first 2 games of the year. For New York, it’s a gritty point earned on the road, though their attacking struggles will need addressing if they’re to contend for the top spots in the Eastern Conference. Though they should start seeing some improvement once Lewis Morgan returns and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting finds his feet.