Atlanta United Rally Past New York Red Bulls 2-1 with Second-Half Comeback

Atlanta United Complete Comeback to Defeat Red Bulls

Atlanta United FC turned a 1-0 half-time deficit into a 2-1 victory over New York Red Bulls at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, August 15, 2026. E. Forsberg gave the visitors an early lead, but second-half goals from T. Muyumba and F. Picault completed Atlanta’s comeback in Major League Soccer’s Regular Season Round 19.

Atlanta Overturn Early Forsberg Opener

New York Red Bulls made the sharper start and went ahead in the sixth minute. E. Forsberg finished a move assisted by A. Mehmeti, putting the visitors 1-0 up and giving them a lead they maintained through the interval.

Atlanta therefore went into half-time needing a response after struggling to turn possession and pressure into an equalizer. The home side’s first recorded booking came shortly after the restart, when T. Jacob was cautioned in the 48th minute.

Second-Half Goals Change the Match

The match shifted in Atlanta’s favor during the second half, with the hosts eventually finding a route back into the contest in the 69th minute. T. Muyumba levelled the score after receiving the assist from A. Miranchuk, wiping out New York’s advantage.

The equalizer changed the momentum and placed the Red Bulls under greater pressure with the match level. Atlanta continued to push for the decisive goal, and its improved second-half attacking output ultimately produced a complete turnaround.

Picault Seals Atlanta’s Comeback

Atlanta completed the comeback in the 82nd minute through F. Picault. M. Almiron supplied the assist, and Picault’s finish put the home side 2-1 ahead after New York had led for more than an hour.

Picault was shown a yellow card immediately after scoring, while E. Baez was booked one minute later. New York’s M. Sofo also received a caution in the 90th minute, but Atlanta held on to protect its lead and secure the three points.

Eastern Conference Table Implications

The result was particularly important for Atlanta, who were listed 15th in the Eastern Conference with 15 points from 19 matches, including four wins, three draws and 12 losses. The comeback provided a valuable result for a side that had endured an inconsistent run of form, including several defeats in its recent sequence.

New York Red Bulls entered the match eighth with 25 points from 19 games, having recorded seven wins, four draws and eight losses. Their defeat denied them an opportunity to strengthen their position in the conference, while Atlanta’s home win offered momentum in the fight to improve its standing.