Atlanta United’s updated scenarios to clinch an MLS playoff spot

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez #7 dribbles the ball during the match against New York City FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday October 20, 2021. (Photo by Jacob Gonzalez/Atlanta United)

By Doug Roberson

Nov 1, 2021

Atlanta United can still finish as high as third place in the MLS East, or it could miss out on the playoffs depending upon its results in its final two games. Philadelphia’s win against Cincinnati on Sunday eliminated the possibility of Atlanta United finishing as high as second.

Atlanta United will play at Red Bulls on Wednesday and at Cincinnati on Sunday.

If the Five Stripes beat or draw with Red Bulls, which it has yet to defeat in a regular season game since it began play in 2017, it will secure a postseason spot.

A draw would work because that would pull it even on points with Orlando, which has one game remaining and that is the finale against Montreal. Both Atlanta United and Orlando would be tied on the first tie-breaker, wins, but the Five Stripes would have the second tie-breaker, goal-difference.

If Atlanta United loses to Red Bulls, numerous scenarios come into play that could require it to take at least a point against Cincinnati to make the playoffs.

If Atlanta United wins out, and Nashville loses at home to Red Bulls, and NYCFC loses to Philadelphia, Atlanta United could finish as high as third because of tiebreakers. Finishing third or fourth would come with hosting a first-round playoff game.

The table:

X-1. New England, 73, with one game remaining. Max points: 76.

X-2. Philadelphia, 53, with one game remaining. Max points: 56.

X-3. Nashville, 53, with one game remaining. Max points: 56.

X-4. NYCFC, 50, with one game remaining. Max points: 53.

5. Orlando, 48, with one game remaining. Max points: 51.

6. Atlanta United, 47, with two games remaining. Max points: 53.

7. Red Bulls, 46, with two games remaining. Max points: 52.

8. D.C. United, 44, with one game remaining. Max points: 47.

9. Columbus, 44, with one game remaining. Max points: 47.

10. Montreal, 43, with two games remaining. Max points: 49.

X-Clinched a playoff spot.