Villa and Wallace lead New York City FC past Atlanta United

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:44 am

NEW YORK -- Rodney Wallace scored a goal and had two assists and David Villa added a goal and an assist to help New York City FC pull away from Atlanta FC in the second half for a 3-1 win on Sunday.

Both teams entered ranked in the top-five in the Eastern Conference in scoring, with Atlanta United leading the way with 18 goals scored and a plus-seven goal differential.

The teams traded goals in the first half for a 1-1 tie. David Villa struck first for New York, rifling through a goal from the top of the box in the 17th minute.

Atlanta's Carlos Carmona netted the equalizer late in the half -- it was Carmona's first of the season.

The hosts pulled away in the second half, however, scoring two goals within a one-minute span to put the game away.

Wallace found the net first in the 60th minute, sneaking through the center of the box to receive a pass from Ethan White and apply the finishing touch.

Maximiliano Moralez added the insurance one minute later, drilling one home from 10-yards out.

This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.