NEW JERSEY(SMIWIRE,09.30.18)-The most eagerly showdown of the year in the MLS East took place today, between the RedBulls and its toughest rival, Atlanta United, wth New York finishing on top 2-0, and bringing the Supporters' Shield competion down to the wire with three games left in the season at the RedBulls Arena, in Harrison N.J.

 

A high level match, where first place Atlanta and second place New York ReBulls, played a duo or die 90' minutes game, in search of a victory that will give them a step closer to win the MLS East title.

New York went to the attack from the start with solid defensive line and energetic offensive attack, trying to open the score very early in the game. Atlanta, who came to this match with a three game winning-streak, did not back-down and responded with numerous dangerous counter-attacks of their own and barely missing opening the score, when Atlanta's midfielder Miguel Almiron in a break-away, his shot was blocked-off goalkeeper Luis Robles' body, sending the ball out of bounds in the first ten minutes of the game. 

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After continuous attacks, New York opened the score through a penalty kick at the 37' minute by Daniel Royer, when a handball was called on Atlanta's defender Chris McCann originated through a corner kick and double-header from from Mark Rzatkowski and Aaron long inside the 18', sending both teams to the locker-rooms with the RedBulls in front 1- 0 at the half.

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In the second half, both teams picked-up where they left-off but with New York more in control of the midfield and the game.The RedBulls increased its lead through Tim Parker at 74' minute with a play originated by Mark Rzatkowski, who passed it to Alex Muyl inside penalty area and crossed it to Tim Parker, who tapped the ball inside the goal for the second goal and secure the victory for the RedBulls of 2-0 over Atlanta.

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Wih the win, New York improved to (19-7-5, 62 points), and still in second place within a point of Atlanta (19-6-6, 63), in the race for the first place and the MLS East crown with three game remaining in the season.