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Callens goal gives NYCFC draw with Atlanta amid Vieira uncertainty
NEW YORK, June 10, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – A late goal from Alex Callens lifted New York City FC to a 1-1 draw against Atlanta Saturday in a clash of Major League Soccer’s top two Eastern Conference teams.
David Villa flicked on a corner kick from Maxi Moralez and Callens got free at the far post for his first goal of the season in the 77th minute.
The goal saw New York earn a deserved share of the points from a match which they controlled in the opening half, only to find themselves down 1-0 minutes after the interval as Atlanta’s Josef Martinez scored his league-leading 13th goal of the season.
Julian Gressel fired in a cross from the right and Martinez connected with a diving header that bounced past New York keeper Sean Johnson.
The hosts continued to apply pressure after Martinez’s goal, but couldn’t find a way past Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan until Callens struck.
“I’m happy,” Callens said. “I’ve been working very hard for this. “We got the tie and I also gave my team the momentum to go and chase the winning goal.”
It was the first time in seven games at Yankee Stadium that NYCFC failed to secure a win.
But uncertainty continues to surround the future of manager Patrick Vieira, who declined to comment on continuing reports linking him to a move to French side Nice.
“Before you guys (start) asking me questions, I just want to talk about the game, nothing else,” Vieira said. “So please, I hope that you will understand it and let’s just talk about the game – nothing else.”
But a remark caught by chance by a YES Network microphone only fueled speculation, Villa telling Vieira “Thank you for everything” as the two hugged after the final whistle.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s second-half goal staked Chicago to a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution, but Teal Bunbury produced the equalizer with nine minutes remaining in a 1-1 draw.
Former Germany captain Schweinsteiger scored just his second goal of the season in the 63rd minute off a pass from Aleksandar Katai.
BSS/AFP/AU/09:25 hrs