Player Impressions: ATLUTD 2-2 NYCFC

Hoyos could do little about Edwards' own goal and was left exposed on NYCFC's second. He made a good diving save against Mijatović in the first half, punched away several deliveries, and worked to organize a backline that was constantly changing positions. An overall quiet individual performance.

Jacob was Atlanta's best defensive player on the night. He looked comfortable at center back, covered the left when needed, and provided the header across goal for Galoppo's equalizer. His positioning and defensive work made a strong argument for continuing to use him centrally, with Edwards on the right. Atlanta lost an important part of its defensive structure when he departed for Chica in the 55th minute.

Báez seemed to be everywhere and yet never established himself in any one position. NYCFC repeatedly attacked his side, forcing Mihaj and other teammates to provide cover. Martino eventually used him farther forward, where he was less exposed defensively but contributed little to Atlanta's attack. He did well enough considering the frequent positional changes. But in his natural spot at leftback, he cannot allow wingers to get past him that easily.

Edwards opened the scoring for NYCFC with an unfortunate own goal, turning a cross into his own net from close range. He recovered well enough to become one of Atlanta's more useful attacking outlets, carrying the ball forward and combining with Brennan on the right. His crossing continues to let him down though. He also left the backdoor open, which NYCFC nearly capitalized on.

Mihaj needed to do more with his now rare opportunity to start. He was not responsible for every defensive problem, and he made an important recovery when NYCFC broke past Báez in the first half. His overall contribution was still underwhelming. He was struggling with what looked to be a pulled groin but remained on the pitch after Chica's injury left Atlanta with 10 men. Seeing out the draw under those circumstances deserves recognition, even if his broader performance fell short.

Amaro's performance was better defensively than it appeared live. He repeatedly stepped into passing lanes and often prevented NYCFC from moving freely through midfield. In possession, however, he struggled with the speed of the match. Several passes put teammates under unnecessary pressure, including one to Chica that drew an understandable reaction from the defender. His frustration with refereeing decisions also became increasingly visible. He needs to manage that side of his game without losing the aggression that makes him effective.

Galoppo's ability to read the game continues to stand out. His positioning gave him a simple finish for Atlanta's opening goal, and he repeatedly recognized opportunities to move into dangerous spaces. He attempted some ambitious passes, including a no-look delivery into the penalty area which absolutely should have had an Atlanta player at the end of.

Too many of his ideas failed to connect, leaving the question of whether he is anticipating movements his teammates have yet to recognize or simply playing passes without getting his eyes up. He also stopped tracking Perea on NYCFC's second goal. That switch off is something which cannot happen.

Sanchez read several NYCFC attacking sequences well and provided useful defensive cover on the left. He also found ways to advance the ball, although his final passes rarely connected. He was far too often in defensive positions when the team needed more attacking movement. His positioning limited his creative output.

Muyumba had another frustrating evening in midfield. He frequently moved between attacking and defensive positioning, but didn't seem settled in either. He did provide the layoff that led to Fortune's equalizer, but Atlanta needed more consistent decision-making and creativity from him going forward. His most memorable action was when he decided against passing to any of three available teammates, and instead ran straight into the NYCFC backline, scuttling the chance.

His hold-up play was excellent at times, allowing Atlanta to retain possession and bring other players into the attack. His pressing of Romero nearly created two goals. Atlanta struggled to deliver the ball to him in scoring positions, but Embolo also needs to be more selfish when opportunities arise. The question remains whether Atlanta is getting the striker it needs or another player who prefers creating chances for others.

Brennan's work rate and willingness to attack defenders remain impressive. He was Atlanta's primary attacking outlet for long stretches, making useful runs and repeatedly carrying the ball into dangerous areas. He fought for possession, drew fouls, and tried to create opportunities even when there was little support around him.

His final delivery remains the problem. Crosses missed their targets, promising movements ended without a chance, and too much of his work went unrewarded.

Fortune gave Atlanta a welcome lift after replacing Sanchez. He moved the ball well, found some unexpected passing options, and provided greater attacking intent. His equalizer came from a good position and a low shot that Romero really should have saved. Fortune deserves credit for putting the attempt on target, even if the goalkeeper's mistake helped it cross the line.

Alzate had little opportunity to influence the match after entering in the 85th minute. Chica's injury shortly afterward forced Atlanta to reorganize defensively and protect the draw with 10 men. He didn't have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Chica looked like he belonged with the first team. Making his debut in an unsettled defense was a difficult assignment, but he handled the pressure well. He remained composed in possession. His exchange with Amaro after receiving a hospital pass showed that he was not intimidated. His evening ended with a concerning knee injury that forced Atlanta to finish with 10. The injury was the only negative in his otherwise outstanding debut.

He now has several weeks of recovery time before ATLUTD2's first playoff match.

Dunbar's first-team debut offered a couple of glimpses of the attacking ability that makes him such an important player for Atlanta United 2 this season. Unfortunately, Chica's injury came shortly after he entered, leaving Atlanta short-handed and limiting its ability to attack.

Martino had to assemble a patchwork lineup, with five players away on international duty and three callups from Atlanta United 2.

His chosen players frequently changed positions, and the lack of familiarity showed in Atlanta's passing and defensive organization. The decision to bring on Chica and Dunbar gave both young players their first-team debuts, while Fortune's introduction helped Atlanta find its second equalizer. Martino deserves credit for getting a result from a depleted squad, although Atlanta really needed more.

It's also quite clear that there are players he doesn't rate. I cannot understand the lack of Gill making an appearance.