Atlanta United’s magic number to clinch the Supporters’ Shield is six after Saturday’s MLS games.
Atlanta United defeated New England 2-1 and the New York Red Bulls won at San Jose 3-1.
The Five Stripes lead the Red Bulls by one point in the race for the Shield. Each team has two games remaining.
Atlanta United will host Chicago on Oct. 21 and will play at Toronto on Oct. 28. New York will play at Philadelphia on Oct. 21 and will host Orlando on Oct. 28.
Any combination of six points won by Atlanta United or dropped by New York will result in Atlanta United winning its first trophy.
Each team has one tricky game remaining.
With 66 points, Atlanta United needs just four points to break the league’s single-season points record of 69, set by Toronto last year. Though Toronto has already been eliminated from playoff contention, it will likely not want to see Atlanta United break its record at BMO Field.
New York’s toughest remaining game will be against Philadelphia. The Union are unbeaten in their last four and clinched a playoff spot with Saturday’s 5-1 thumping of Minnesota. They trail NYCFC by three points in the race of the third seed in the East.
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