Parkhurst: NYCFC 'a massive game and we know that'

Atlanta United has a key game for the Eastern Conference standings Wednesday and they'll be doing so without Josef Martinez.

The Five Stripes head to New York to face NYCFC and United captain Michael Parkhurst joined John Fricke and Hugh Douglas and spoke about the challenge of tonight's opponent.

"It's a massive game and we know that," said Parkhurst. "First place is within reach and that's more important this year than in year's past. If we beat NYCFC we're a point behind with a couple games left and anything can happen. It's the toughest place to play in the MLS because of the size of the field and how NYCFC plays there."

Parkhurst also spoke about facing the Eastern Conference's top seed without Josef Martinez.

"Everything is not lost just when you lose one player, even if it is Josef," said Parkhurst. "We have other guys capable of scoring goals. Brandon Vazquez is confident, Tito is finally healthy. We've got guys that can step in and provide something different."