As soon as the team sheet was announced, it was clear that this game was going to be very different from the previous four. Atlanta United, prior to Sunday’s Eastern Conference Championship shellacking, had never beaten the New York Red Bulls. How they put an end to that.
Kemar Lawrence was unavailable for selection. Connor Lade would start at left-back in his place. In New York’s high-pressing scheme, there is a great stress thrown on the fullbacks. They have to defend a whole lot of space. Lade, while far from a lacking reserve, is not even nearly the same calibre of player as Lawrence.