Red Bulls battle back for victory, but Atlanta impresses in MLS debut

It was a game of firsts for Atlanta United, the most sobering of which was a historic first loss in Major League Soccer.

The high-flying expansion outfit put in a valiant effort against the New York Red Bulls, but succumbed to a 2-1 loss at Bobby Dodd Stadium, a down note on an otherwise spirited occasion marking the franchise's first MLS match.

Argentine attacker Yamil Asad scored Atlanta's first-ever goal in the opening stanza, before Red Bulls winger Daniel Royer scored an equalizer in the second half. Bradley Wright-Phillips then provided a late winner, courtesy of a cheeky back-heel pass by Mike Grella.

It was, in truth, a tough result for Atlanta, as the team put in a commendable performance highlighted by a cast of young and talented new stars like Miguel Almiron, Hector Villalba, and Josef Martinez. Each crafted chances of their own to add to Atlanta's lead, with Almiron coming closest in an attempt to chip Luis Robles on a breakaway, to no avail.

While experience won out on the night for Jesse Marsch's side, Atlanta head coach Gerardo Martino can certainly be proud of his team's effort in this historic first match in every way, save for a late red card issued to Carlos Carmona with just two minutes left in the match.

As such, Carmona won't be available for Atlanta's next match against fellow expansion outfit Minnesota United on March 12.