MLS Playoff Picture: Traoré's late strike secures NYCFC's 2-1 win over Atlanta

New York City FC fans watching from Citi Field saw their team's playoff chances survive Wednesday night. Bénie Traoré scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give the club a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United. The result ends Atlanta's postseason bid and keeps NYCFC alive with two matches remaining in the season.

The win marks NYCFC's first victory in six attempts at the home of the Major League Baseball Mets. It is also the team's first win since beating Real Salt Lake 2-0 on September 12. The club now sits one point behind the New York Red Bulls for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth. Atlanta United drops to 8-18-6 overall and 4-7-4 on the road.

Nicolás Fernández opened the scoring in the 70th minute with a free kick from 28 yards out. It was his 16th goal of the season and his first in his last seven matches. Breel Embolo equalized for Atlanta in the 88th minute with a header, his fourth goal in his first 10 MLS appearances.

Traoré, a 23-year-old first-year forward, found the net in the final stretch of added time. It is his second goal in 17 appearances this season. Goalkeeper Matt Freese recorded five saves for NYCFC, while Lucas Hoyos made four saves for Atlanta. The two teams had previously drawn 2-2 in Atlanta at the end of September.

Atlanta United hosts Toronto FC on Sunday. New York City FC hosts CF Montreal on Saturday.