October 2, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; New York Red Bulls midfielder Emile Forsberg (10) and midfielder Lewis Morgan (9) at BMO Field against Toronto FC Celebrating a goal during half-time. Mandatory photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images The New York Red Bulls visit Atlanta United on Saturday as they aim to sweep their two-game road trip.
New York (11-7-14, 47 points) defeated Toronto FC 4-1 in midweek and lost 1-5 at home to New York City FC last weekend. The Red Bulls have scored in three of their last five games (1-2-2) and currently sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and have clinched a playoff spot.
“I thought it was a great performance for us as a team,” midfielder Lewis Morgan said of Wednesday's win. “We needed that. I'm not going to say it was perfect, but I think after the bad defeat we had, it was very important to perform well for 90 minutes and try to win, and we did that in a difficult place.
“Toronto has to win, we know that, so there are definitely things we can improve on, but this is a big step forward.”
Saturday marks the 16th regular season game between the Red Bulls and Atlanta. New York's record against Eastern opponents is 9 wins, 1 draw and 5 losses, including Atlanta's record of 5 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses.
Morgan scored his 13th goal of the season in Toronto and has seven career goals in 10 games against Atlanta.
Emil Forsberg returned to the starting lineup in the win over Toronto and had a goal and an assist. Red Bulls captain Forsberg currently has 11 goals in 17 games (7 goals, 4 assists).
Atlanta (8-14-10, 34 points) enters Saturday's game after a 2-1 loss to Montreal on Wednesday. With two games remaining, Atlanta is in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind the playoff line.
“I think (Wednesday) really sums up the whole season,” Atlanta guard Derrick Williams said after the Montreal game. “A lot of missed opportunities, missed goals. Like I said before, goals change the game. It hurts.”
Atlanta United has taken three points in its past four games (0-1-3), including a 2-2 draw away from the Red Bulls on September 21, but they are winless in their past five home games.
Midfielder Saba Lobjanidze leads Atalanta with eight goals and seven assists in 28 games this season, while Daniel Rios has 10 goals (seven goals) in 22 games. ball and 3 assists).
Saturday marks the second and final MLB meeting of the season between Atlanta and New York.
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