Atlanta United are, somehow, still clinging to life in the playoff hunt. With two matches remaining, the Five Stripes find themselves three points behind Toronto FC in the final Wild Card spot, and three places back from their 9th place spot in 12th. After Wednesday’s 2-1 loss at home to CF Montreal, though, backs are officially against the wall in this season’s home finale.
Atlanta would be officially eliminated tonight with a loss at the hands of the New York Red Bulls, which would be a gutting way to end the home schedule and set up a meaningless Decision Day matchup with Orlando in two weeks’ time. That’s not the only way, though. Atlanta United would also be eliminated with a draw combined with any of a D.C. win, Philadelphia win, or Toronto win or draw. Even a Toronto win combined with Montreal avoiding defeat in Charlotte would pull the plug on whatever’s left of Atlanta’s postseason hopes, regardless of the result in the Benz.
There’s no clinching scenario on the flip side, either. Atlanta needs a result and help to simply stay alive and head into Decision Day with something to play for. All the potential excitement for an Atlanta-Orlando Decision Day Derby would disappear, depriving the world of what could be one of the most thrilling games of Atlanta United’s history. Does this season even deserve that? Who’s to say.
Atlanta United’s task tonight is only made more difficult by the loss of Brooks Lennon due to yellow card accumulation, along with Tristan Muyumba with a knee injury and Xande Silva continuing to manage a foot injury. The Five Stripes were able to score twice last time they met the Red Bulls in New Jersey, even taking the lead before a late equalizer, but will have to be even better here to keep this season on life support. Hey, anything can happen. It’s why we watch sports, right?
The final regular season kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for a 7:40 PM ET start, with streaming coming per usual on Apple TV with a subscription to MLS Season Pass. Radio coverage is provided in English on 92.9 The Game and in Spanish on La Mejor.
Be sure to head down to our match thread in the comments below to discuss all the pre-, during, and post- match action unfolding in tonight’s midweek meeting in the Benz.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
NYRB’s Lineup:
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, October 5th; 7:40 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV (with MLS Season Pass Subscription)
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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Amazing how we couldn’t squash a ten man Red Bulls squad and still kept giving them chances
The Wolf Pack !
Lol, Gregersen saved by a hair
Thank you VAR !
Fuuuuuuuuudge
And that’s why do don’t dick around when you have a man advantage
Sexy alexei pk
Red card for hope
Great little 3 minute sequence of football from us
Plenty of good interplay in that first half, but no finishing touch to be seen. I hope we see Daniel Rios thrown in sooner than later and Atlanta go full throttle. Get the goals you need.
Is Hernandez the plan for Lennon’s absence this evening ?
I have no idea what face will be in the black hole ( left wing ) position
I’m a gluten for punishment, so I’ll be watching lol
Finally the most recent ATL UTD nightmare season for fans @ the Benz will officially be over tonight regardless of what happens on the road in Orlando on October 19th. As for looking ahead to the 2025 season I already think if we aren’t competitive on the field (both home & away) and miss the playoffs again with poor roster & coaching buildout this winter, then Arthur Blank needs to definitely look for a new president and CEO because we’re still not back baby. As a fellow “17”…….the fanbase is who ultimately decides when ATL UTD is truly back & due to poor management by the front office this season is an accumulation of bad decisions that has been displayed on the field. Yes, we currently have some money that wasn’t spent in the summer transfer window and a coaching & GM vacancy, but ultimately the amount of money we have as a club is just “money” and can either help (or) hurt us (even more) if it’s not spent wisely. With that being said here’s to hoping we have a busy and successful winter where actual team needs are truly met because you can’t put a bandaid on this team and expect to competitive in MLS for 2025 & the ATL UTD fanbase deserves so much better because currently we are easily the laughingstock of MLS.