NYCFC look to leverage home-field advantage against Atlanta

New York City FC will try to call on their home-field advantage when they host Atlanta United on Saturday.

New York City (2-2-2, 8 points) has an even record through six games, with both of its victories coming in the club's two home games. Otherwise, NYCFC are 0-2-2 on the road, including last Saturday's 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution.

After conceding a Revs goal in the 70th minute, New York City FC equalized on Talles Magno's header in the 80th minute.

The date with Atlanta opens a three-game homestand for NYCFC, which defender Maxime Chanot sees as a chance for his team to gain some consistency.

"I'm sure with the three games that are coming up at home, it's going to be very crucial for us," Chanot said. "If we can get three victories, we're going to be in a good position."

New York City FC has a dominant 62-12-22 record in regular-season home games since the start of the 2017 season. That includes a 3-0-2 mark in home games against Atlanta United.

The Five Stripes (4-1-1, 13 points) are aiming for a two-week sweep of Big Apple teams, after collecting a 1-0 home win over the New York Red Bulls on April 1.

Georgios Giakoumakis' rebound goal put Atlanta United ahead in the eighth minute. The Five Stripes then held the Red Bulls at bay for the remainder of the game to secure their second shutout win of the season.

"The second balls, I think, everyone did a great job winning those battles," defender Juanjo Purata told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Defensively, we were so good. All of the team. And I think that if we keep that, we can get another win."

Atlanta United has scored 13 goals this season, the third-highest total in MLS. Thiago Almada has been driving the attack with four goals and four assists in his five games played.