ºüÀêÊÓƵ City SC coach Bradley Carnell discusses the team's tie with Atlanta United FC on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Video by the team; edited by Beth O'Malley
City SC midfielder Indiana Vassilev put an end to his team’s lengthy scoring drought Saturday night.
Yet the disappointment remains.
Vassilev scored in the 50th minute to help City SC to a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United FC in front of a sold-out crowd at City Park.
“At the end of the day, it’s just another frustrating tie,†Vassilev said. “At home.â€
Yes, the City SC offense finally woke from a 22-day slumber.
But the club (3-6-10) was unable to come up with the much-needed three points, and its winless streak stretched to a franchise-worst eight matches, though it did snap a two-game losing streak. City SC’s last victory was a 3-1 triumph over the Chicago Fire on May 11.
Vassilev’s goal ended the team’s scoreless skein at 342 minutes. City SC’s previous goal came midway though the second half of a 3-3 tie at Inter Miami on June 1.
The long-awaited tally put City SC in front, and it appeared as though the offense was ready to jump into high gear. But that was the extent of the club’s scoring on another steamy night.
“We need to find a way to come out of this situation and start winning games again,†City SC goalkeeper Roman Burki said. “It’s not the first time we scored the first goal and then gave the game away.â€
Vassilev and Burki did their best to give the team a shot at its fourth win of the season in the fifth month of Major League Soccer play.
A native of Savannah, Georgia, Vassilev blasted a low left-footed shot from the side of the box. Klauss set up tally with nice head pass from along the end line.
The goal ignited the crowd and gave City SC a much-needed shot of confidence.
It didn’t last long.
Atlanta United (5-8-6) tied it in the 71st minute on a goal by Daniel Rios.
Burki actually made the initial save by diving to his left to stop a penalty kick attempt by Rios. But the rebound bounced right out to Rios, who converted the chance.
“I couldn’t really push (the ball) away to the side because it was under my body,†Burki said. “Definitely, it’s frustrating.â€
Klauss hit the crossbar with drive in the 10th minute to add more bad luck for the hosts.
“So the soccer gods aren’t with us as of late,†City SC coach Bradley Carnell said. “We keep on pushing, we keep on keeping the spirits high. And we move on.â€
Vassilev’s goal was his third of the season. He teamed with Nokkvi Thorisson, Klauss and Eduard Lowen to create a host of high-quality scoring opportunities.
City SC fired 15 shots, four on frame. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who has represented the United States internationally and also played in the English Premier League during a storied career, had a pair of solid stops.
“I saw a very energized, jelled group together fighting for each other,†Carnell said.
Notes
City SC appears to be on the verge of signing Marcel Hartel to a designated player deal. The 28-year-old midfielder previously played at FC St. Pauli of the German 2 Bundesliga.
Hartel also had opportunities in Europe and recently spoke with MLS’ Columbus Crew as well. He tallied 24 goals in 98 appearances with St. Pauli from 2021 through this campaign.
Hartel is already in the United States and could join the team within a week. A scorer and playmaker, Hartel had 17 goals and 12 assists last season and was sought after by numerous clubs around the globe.
City SC defender John Klein was signed to an MLS contract through the rest of the season on Saturday. He has played in five games on the top level team so far this year.
The Columbia, Missouri, native is a former standout at ºüÀêÊÓƵ University, where he scored 29 goals and handed out 27 assists during his tenure.
Klein entered Saturday’s match in the 72nd minute.
Defenders Jayden Reid and Michael Wentzel were in the starting lineup Saturday after being called up on short term loan agreements from the City2 squad.
Wentzel is the captain of the City2 squadron, which sports a league-best 9-2-2 mark.
"I don't think the way the ref handled that situation was respectful to the players or the fans in our home stadium," Parker said Thursday.Â
City SC forward Indiana Vassilev, right, leaps to hug teammate Eduard Lowen after scoring his team’s goal in the second half of its 1-1 tie with Atlanta United FC on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at CityPark.