Atlanta United vs. NYCFC on Nov. 21 in MLS playoffs

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (7) dribbles against NYCFC Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021,at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta United)

By Doug Roberson

Updated Nov 9, 2021

Atlanta United will play NYCFC at 3 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Yankee Stadium in the first round of the MLS playoffs. It will be broadcast on ABC.

The league announced the schedule Monday night.

Atlanta United finished as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with 51 points. NYCFC finished as the fourth seed. It also had 51 points but took the first tiebreaker, wins.

The two teams played twice this season. NYCFC won the first meeting 1-0 at Red Bull Arena on June 23. It was one of Atlanta United’s worst performances this season. The team took nine shots, putting four on goal. NYCFC took 22 but put just five on goal. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi scored the winner in the 69th minute.

The two teams drew 1-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 20. Atlanta United was leading that game because of a goal by Marcelino Moreno in the 17th minute until giving up a goal on a free kick by Gudmundur Thorarinsson in the 90th minute.

Atlanta United had a road record of 4-6-7. NYCFC was 10-3-4 at home.

NYCFC features Valentin Castellanos, who won the Golden Boot, given to the league’s top scorer, with 19 goals in 32 appearances. NYCFC finished fourth in MLS in goals (51).

Josef Martinez led Atlanta United with 12 goals in 24 appearances. Atlanta United finished 18th in goals (45).

NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson, a native of Lilburn, posted nine clean sheets. NYCFC allowed 36 goals. Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan posted 10. Atlanta United allowed 37 goals.

Should Atlanta United win, it will face New England on Nov. 30.

The MLS Cup will be played Dec. 11.

MLS playoff schedule

Nov. 20 Red Bulls at Philadelphia, 2:30 p.m., TUDN

Nov. 20 Vancouver at Sporting KC, 5 p.m., TUDN

Nov. 21 Atlanta United at NYCFC, 3 p.m. ABC

Nov. 21 Minnesota at Portland, 5:30 p.m., ESPN

Nov. 23 Orlando at Nashville, TBD, FS1

Nov. 23 Real Salt Lake at Seattle, 10:30 p.m., Fox