Atlanta United secured a place in the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs with a 4-1 win over CF Montréal on Saturday, Sept. 23.
It’s the fifth time Atlanta United has made the postseason since its inaugural season in 2017. The club previously qualified in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
The 5-Stripes entered the match in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, and the formula for clinching was simple: win and in. In the case of a draw, Atlanta United could've also earned a spot given the results of a couple of different conference matches tonight.
With three matches left in the MLS regular season, the 5-Stripes have at least secured a ninth place in the Eastern Conference. The 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are expected to begin Wednesday, October 25.
Back in February, MLS announced its new playoff format for 2023 which includes a Wild Card match in each conference followed by the Round 1, which now includes a Best-of-3 series. Following that, four teams in each Conference will face off in the Conference Semifinals, to later advance to the Conference Finals. The Audi MLS Cup will be played on December 9.
Atlanta United is still in pursuit of a top-4 finish in the conference. The 5-Stripes return to action October 4 when they travel to face Philadelphia Union.
