Now is when every moment matters most –– the postseason has finally arrived for Atlanta United. The Five Stripes have already lifted two cups this season, but they’re hungry for more as they begin the defense of their MLS Cup title. Here’s how the next month is shaping up for the Five Stripes:
Round 1:
Atlanta United get to start off their postseason campaign in their home fortress of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and it will be a rematch of their final regular-season match against the New England Revolution. That match will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on October 19th, and will be broadcast on Univision as well as an English broadcast on Fox Sports Southeast for local viewers. Atlanta United has one of the best home records in the league and just secured a 3-1 win over this opponent this past weekend. But that’s only because of the rowdy support from the 17s, so make sure you’ve reserved your tickets before they run out.
Conference Semifinals:
Keep in mind that this year the postseason format has changed to single-elimination matches, so if Atlanta United can win at home, they will move on to the next round. And if they do, due to their second-seed finish, they will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Conference Semifinals. They will face the winner of the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls on October 24th at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the match set to be broadcast on ESPN2. Atlanta United will be eager for revenge against the Union after their loss in Philadelphia earlier this season –– and fans can be certain of an intense matchup with the Red Bulls.
Conference Finals:
If Atlanta United win back-to-back matches, it will be on to the Eastern Conference Finals and what could possibly be their first road postseason match of the year. If NYCFC advance in their home match, the Five Stripes will have to travel to Yankee Stadium –– but if they lose, the match will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against either Toronto FC or D.C. United. There’s plenty of history against all three of those teams, so you can expect a tight match. Kickoff time is still to be determined, but the match is scheduled to be held on October 30th, and will be broadcast on FS1.
MLS Cup
You only have to look back to last season to know that Atlanta United is tough for any team to beat in knockout play, so they are certainly contenders to make it to MLS Cup to face the champion of the Western Conference. LAFC are certainly the favorites as the Supporters’ Shield winners, and if they make it to MLS Cup, they will be the hosts in Los Angeles. But if they were to be eliminated, it would be a second straight MLS Cup Final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the best of the West. That match will be played at 3:00 p.m. ET on November 10th, and will be broadcast on ABC and Univision.
Stay tuned to ATLUTD.com all the way though as the latest on tickets will be released immediately after each match. And be ready; Atlanta United are hungry for more as they look to defend their MLS Cup title. This is when Kings Become Legends.
