Monsef Bakrar marked his return to the starting line-up with an impressive goal as New York City FC secured a commanding 4-0 win over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer.
The Algerian striker, making only his fifth start of the season in 19 appearances, seized the opportunity to remind the coaching staff and supporters of his attacking prowess.
Having struggled for regular playing time and fallen down the pecking order in recent weeks, Bakrar delivered a standout performance that may reignite his bid for a more prominent role in the squad.
Bakrar found the net with a superb first-time finish in the 55th minute, converting a low pass from midfielder Andres Perea just inside the penalty area.
The forward struck the ball cleanly, dispatching it into the back of the net with precision and confidence to score his second goal of the campaign. His effort doubled NYCFC’s lead and effectively placed the match beyond the visitors.
The goal arrives three weeks after Bakrar’s previous strike against Chicago Fire, where he came off the bench to score. On this occasion, he started and looked sharp throughout, linking well with teammates and pressing Atlanta’s defence with energy and intent.
New York City FC, who have had an inconsistent start to the season, looked revitalised at Yankee Stadium. The team controlled proceedings from the outset, scoring early to unsettle Atlanta before adding three more goals in a dominant second-half display.
The result lifts them up the Eastern Conference standings and boosts their hopes of securing a playoff spot as the season approaches its midpoint.
Bakrar’s contribution was not limited to his goal. The 23-year-old also showed flashes of his technical quality, combining well with the midfield and making intelligent runs behind the opposition’s back line.
While his playing time has been limited, performances like this will certainly give head coach Nick Cushing something to consider moving forward.
The striker, who arrived at NYCFC with high expectations, had a bright start to life in MLS but saw his role diminished due to tactical changes and the emergence of other attacking options.
His ability to make an impact when called upon, however, remains clear. With two goals in limited minutes this season, Bakrar will now look to capitalise on this momentum and earn a more consistent place in the starting eleven.
For New York City, the emphatic win over a strong Atlanta side is a much-needed statement of intent. The clean sheet, fluid attacking movement, and standout individual displays — including Bakrar’s — are promising signs for the club’s ambitions in the second half of the campaign.
Bakrar will hope that his latest performance serves as a turning point in his season. If he can maintain this level of form and continue to deliver in front of goal, he may yet establish himself as a key figure in NYCFC’s attack.
Très très beau but de Monsef Bakrar qui retrouve enfin le chemin des filets en MLSpic.twitter.com/4S5if4PhKf
— Chebli Ishaq (@IshaqChebli) June 13, 2025
