Atlanta United named ‘Cream of the Crop’ among MLS teams

Atlanta United midfielder Kevin Kratz (32) attempts to get past NYC FC midfielder Maximliano Moralez (10) to get to the ball during the match between NYC FC and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, April 15, 2018. (REANN HUBER/REANN.HUBER@AJC.COM)

Credit: Reann Huber

Credit: Reann Huber

Atlanta United midfielder Kevin Kratz (32) attempts to get past NYC FC midfielder Maximliano Moralez (10) to get to the ball during the match between NYC FC and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, April 15, 2018. (REANN HUBER/REANN.HUBER@AJC.COM)

Along with New York City FC and Toronto FC, Atlanta United was named the "Cream of the Crop" among MLS teams Wednesday by Sports Illustrated.
After a 2-2 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sunday against NYCFC— which was coming off a win over Real Salt Lake four days prior—  Atlanta United has an overall record of 4-1-1 in the team's second season.

“NYCFC’s point in Atlanta is all the more impressive considering Patrick Vieira’s squad played midweek and traveled, while Tata Martino’s rested and hosted,” Sports Illustrated’s Brian Straus wrote. “Playing in Atlanta on short rest shouldn’t be legal.”

Straus' complete MLS rankings can be read on Sports Illustrated's official website.