New York Red Bulls 0, Atlanta United 0 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

The New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United drew blanks and split the points at Red Bull Arena on Sunday evening, but it certainly wasn't for lack of trying. 

In an end-to-end track meet of a match between two of the fiercest high-pressing systems in MLS, Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan was the difference, securing a road point for his team with several jaw-dropping stops. RBNY 'keeper Luis Robles also made three saves at the other end, keeping Josef Martinez and the high-octane ATLUTD attack off the board. 

The game could well prove a playoff table-setter, with the two Eastern Conference contenders on course to meet again in the postseason.

Goals

• None

Three Things

YOU WATCHING, BRUCE?
A member of the
US national team
squad that fell embarrasingly short of World Cup qualification with
Tuesday's loss at Trinidad & Tobago
, Guzan spoke of the week's pain in his on-field pregame interview with FOX's Katie Witham. His subsequent sterling performance gave USMNT fans ample reason to rue former coach Bruce Arena's choice to start
Tim Howard
in goal vs. T&T. Woulda, coulda, shoulda...

TRICKY FOE FOR FIVE STRIPES: It remains to be seen whether these two teams will wind up facing off in the Knockout Round of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs. Despite ATL's higher position in the standings, they might not relish meeting the Red Bulls, who've now taken four points from their two matches with the Five Stripes. RBNY showed an ability to disrupt Atlanta's attack while also passing through their press, and were unlucky not to win Sunday. 

BIG RED, SAVVY HEAD
: Compared to their deservedly-hyped South American signings, Atlanta's pickup of
Jeff Larentowicz
didn't turn too many heads last winter. But the grizzled MLS vet has done a crucial job for the expansion side, playing the holding midfielder role well and stepping in at center back in a pinch. He provided important cover for his back line vs. RBNY:

Next Up

• NY: Sunday, Oct. 22 – at D.C. United (4 pm ET | MLS LIVE)
• ATL: Sunday, Oct. 22 – vs. Toronto FC (4 pm ET | MLS LIVE in US, TSN in Canada)