Atlanta United’s playoff fate has been all but sealed for a while. But they face official elimination on Wednesday night as they travel to Citi Field to face New York City FC. Atlanta are eliminated with a loss or draw against the Pigeons, but not even a win would be enough. If Red Bull New York get at least a point against the New England Revolution or if the Columbus Crew beat FC Dallas, it’s over regardless of what happens in Queens.
The scoop on New York City FC
8-12-11, 35 points, 12th in East
Last result: D 2-2 at Orlando City (October 24)
New York City are closer to the playoff line than Atlanta. But a run of poor form has seen it win just once in its last 14 matches (1-7-6) and has it at risk of missing the postseason for the first time since 2023. It’s eliminated with a loss or draw against Atlanta and an RBNY win over the Revs, or with a loss and a Columbus win over FC Dallas.
What’s gone wrong? According to New York Soccer Journal’s Andrew Leigh:
“A truly terrible cocktail of self-inflicted individual errors that caused them to drop points, a wasteful lack of finishing in front of goal in games they otherwise dominated, and a season-long tendency to concede late in the second half. Sometimes all three things have happened in the same match. … They make too many in-game mistakes and throw away too many winnable games, and that’s why they’re not making the playoffs (barring a late miracle).”
Alonso Martinez only just recently returned from his torn ACL, bagging a goal and an assist in five matches. Filling in for him up top, though, has been Nico Fernandez Mercau (15g/9a), but the Argentinian has just two assists in his last five outings. Benie Traore was supposed to provide a lift in the attack, but he has just one goal (from the penalty spot) in 16 matches since signing from Basel on a $7 million DP deal.
Atlanta United at New York City FC injuries, availability
Atlanta United – Outside of Will Reilly, who’s done for the season due to an ankle injury, Enea Mihaj is out with a hip injury.
New York City FC – Drew Baiera, Arnau Farnós, Maxi Moralez, and Kai Trewin are all ‘isted as out with leg injuries.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup at New York City FC (4-3-3)
Score Prediction: New York City FC 1-1 Atlanta United
Atlanta United concedes a goal but fights back for a draw — and ultimately see an official end to their playoff hopes.
“A truly terrible cocktail of self-inflicted individual errors that caused them to drop points, a wasteful lack of finishing in front of goal in games they otherwise dominated, and a season-long tendency to concede late in the second half. Sometimes all three things have happened in the same match. … They make too many in-game mistakes and throw away too many winnable games, and that’s why they’re not making the playoffs (barring a late miracle).” Is this describing Atlanta or NY?
Except for the “they otherwise dominated” part, it is a perfect description for Atlanta’s season. Will be interesting to see just how empty MBS is on Saturday.