Atlanta United’s road to the MLS playoffs

Here are 12 moments that shaped Atlanta United’s season, which will continue Thursday against Columbus in the first round of the MLS playoffs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

The atmosphere. Walking to Bobby Dodd Stadium for Atlanta United's first game, it was difficult not to be struck by how emotionally invested the team's supporters were in the club.

The tailgating area near The Varsity was packed with fans sporting the team’s home jersey dominated by the five stripes of alternating red and black or the away jersey affectionately described as featuring concrete gray and tailgate red. When Yamil Asad scored his first goal, the more than 50,000 people in the stadium erupted with a cheer that came from years of waiting for a first-division soccer club.