Bénie Traoré scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give New York City FC a dramatic 2–1 victory over Atlanta United at Citi Field on Wednesday, keeping the club’s playoff hopes alive.
Nico Fernández Mercau put the hosts ahead in the 70th minute, curling a free kick around the defensive wall after Talles Magno was fouled outside the penalty area.
Atlanta responded late. Breel Embolo headed home in the 88th minute after a shot from Fafa Picault struck the post, bringing the visitors level and setting up a tense finish.
But New York City found the decisive breakthrough through substitute Traoré, who curled his effort past goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos to restore the lead in the closing moments.
Atlanta threatened once more when Picault delivered a cross for Embolo, but New York goalkeeper Matt Freese collected the header to help secure the victory.
The result followed New York City’s 2–2 draw in Orlando and preserved its chances of reaching the postseason.
The club next faces CF Montréal on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
