NYCFC's attack bursts to life in 4-0 win over Atlanta

Thursday night soccer under the lights at Yankee Stadium delivered fireworks as New York City FC dismantled Atlanta United 4-0 with a dominant second-half display.

The win was a tale of two halves: An uneven first 45 minutes gave way to a relentless flurry of goals early in the second half, all capped by a resolute defensive performance.

NYCFC controlled possession in the first half and led in expected goals, but Atlanta looked the more dangerous side in open play, winning 58% of duels and matching NYCFC in chance creation. The breakthrough came moments before halftime when Hannes Wolf intercepted a backward pass, laying it off for Maxi Moralez, who finished with precision from a tight angle. The goal shifted the energy in both the team and the crowd at the game's halfway point.

Second-half scoring binge

The second half opened with an offensive explosion that put the match out of reach.

TOP BINS FROM THE BAKMANNNN 🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/ARmk4EQ7Sl

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) June 13, 2025

Mounsef Bakrar scored in the 55th minute, which was followed quickly by two goals from Wolf in the 57th and 59th minutes, sending Yankee Stadium into a frenzy.

YOU CAN'T STOP THE WOLF 🐺 pic.twitter.com/dDqMJlTN0e

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) June 13, 2025

ADMIN CAN'T KEEP UP RIGHT NOW 🇦🇹🐺 pic.twitter.com/Mt9yfAg8kw

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) June 13, 2025

For the rest of the game, the NYCFC attack was quiet, but the defense kept out an Atlanta offense missing winger Miguel Almirón and with only limited minutes for striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, who entered in the 62nd minute. The two high-priced Designated Players started the game on the bench, having just returned from traveling for international duty.

Atlanta head coach Ronny Deila, fresh off an appearance as a special guest on the HRB Podcast discussing some of his favorite NYCFC memories, had his return to New York City spoiled. With the big win, Head Coach Pascal Jansen may have created a favorite memory of his own on Thursday.

Experimental lineup

After the blitz of goals, NYCFC managed the game well, keeping an Atlanta attack comfortably at bay.

NYCFC started the game lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, which wasn't the first time, but this time, it was under different circumstances. Jansen was missing key players due to international duty and had to patch holes where Alonso Martínez, Matt Freese, Mitja Ilenič, Aiden O’Neill, plus an injured Keaton Parks, would be.

Rather than just patching over them, Jansen was creative and showed tactical flexibility. He deployed an adjusted 4-3-3 formation that leaned on creativity and versatility. Julián Fernández played more centrally, still in an attacking role, and Strahinja Tanasijević stepped in at right-back, returning to the position after also playing there during the 2-2 draw in Nashville.

Typically a center back, Tanasijević adapted well and completed 85% of his passes, made several clearances, and won 67% of his duels. 

Meanwhile, Bakrar continued a good run of form up front, spearheading an attack that delivered in the key moments.

Romero shines in first MLS start

With Matt Freese away on USMNT duty, goalkeeper Tomás Romero earned his first MLS start for NYCFC and made the most of it with a clean sheet. Romero, who said he declined a World Cup qualifying call-up from El Salvador to focus on this opportunity, delivered a poised performance.

He made three saves, faced 0.57 expected goals, and was highly effective with distribution, completing 90% of passes and 62% of long balls.

A tense moment arrived early in the first half when VAR reviewed a Romero tackle on Jamal Thiaré inside the penalty area. Romero, calm throughout, knew the challenge was clean — a fact confirmed after an extended review.

With Romero proving himself capable alongside Freese, NYCFC can feel confident about their depth in goal.

Spider-Man: Back in theaters

Maxi Moralez is 38 and continues to inspire.

Moralez’s crucial goal just before halftime set the tone for the team and reinvigorated the crowd going into the second half. Hannes Wolf assisted, and Maxi returned the favor with an assist on Wolf’s first goal.

SIN PALABRAS PARA LO QUE HACE ESTE HOMBRE 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/PEn9sBAfBK

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) June 13, 2025

Moralez was everywhere: The attacking midfielder completed 83% of his passes, created three chances, won four of six duels, and earned a 9.0 match rating, according to FotMob.

His longevity, leadership, and creative presence remain invaluable as a veteran playmaker for NYCFC.

NYCFC’s blend of tactical adaptability, defensive composure, and attacking flair delivered a comprehensive win against a talented Atlanta side. With a demanding stretch of the season ahead, Pascal Jansen’s squad looks poised and deep, ready to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference.