New York City FC took an important step towards the Eastern Conference top seed in the BX, thanks to a 4-1 win over Atlanta United.
Here’s Five Points from a night to remember, presented by Etihad Airways…
Big Show
“Did you enjoy the show?” – Alex Ring.
Well, did you?
City turned on the style vs. the defending champions and roared into a three-goal lead inside the opening half, with Alexandru Mitriță netting a 20-minute hat-trick.
It was a devastating half of football from the Boys in Blue, who didn’t let Pity Martinez’s penalty dampen the mood.
Héber made sure that the points were staying in New York with a late goal off the bench and the players and supporters stayed late for a stirring show of mutual appreciation.
A night to remember.
Step by Step
All that being said… Dome and the Ringleader both said it in their speeches on the field at the end of the game: Nothing is decided yet.
While the progress has been there for all to see, City still have work to do to ensure that they can’t be passed at the top of the East.
With a day of recovery to come before returning to work, the players know there is still plenty of grind ahead of them, with points still on the line and that top seed still there to be won.
Mitri Magic
Alexandru Mitriță ended the match as a contest in the first half, thanks to his 20-minute hat-trick, setting the tone for a night of wild celebrations in the Bronx.
Becoming the first Romanian to score an MLS hat-trick, Mitri started us off early with the goal of the night: an incisive dart inside from the left flank and an unstoppable, curling shot into the upper 90’.
The fifth-fastest hat-trick in MLS history, Alexandru’s 10th, 11th and 12th goals for the Club mean that he’s now scored six goals in his last six appearances.
H9’s Return
Mitri received a deserved standing ovation when he was subbed out and that applause just carried right on for the man who took his place.
Héber has missed the last few games with a hamstring injury but he showed no ill effect of his lay-off, picking up right where he left off: scoring goals for New York City’s Football Club.
The Brazilian was lively throughout his 27-minute cameo but the highlight was the predatory instincts he showed, as well as the finish for his welcome back goal.
It was the perfect time to get his leading scorer back out on the field to put some minutes in his legs before the postseason.
Thank You
Sorry we couldn’t tag you all, but this photograph says more than we could in words.
Thank you to the best supporters in MLS. #ForTheCity.
