Story lines abound in Atlanta United vs. Toronto

With a goal, Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez will extend his single-season scoring record to 31 and likely wrap up the MVP.

Of course, Toronto has a habit of ruining things for Atlanta United.

Remember last year’s finale, when a Sebastian Giovinco free kick in the final minutes resulted in a 2-2 draw and knocked Atlanta United from the second seed in the East to the fourth seed? No one who wears red, black and gold has.

After helping Atlanta United defeat Chicago 2-1 Sunday, 18-year-old Andrew Carleton was asked if Atlanta United had any extra motivation on Sunday following last year’s heartbreaking draw. He started to give an answer that may have been bulletin-board material before stopping himself, thinking and then saying: “Yeah, I think we do,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how it goes. We’re always looking forward to it. I think they’re looking forward to the challenge as well, so I think it’s going to be a good game.”

Eliminated from the playoffs weeks ago, Toronto has nothing to play for other than to try to preserve the tie for the points record and salvage some pride from a season in which it was predicted by most to defend its MLS Cup.

“You know, we don’t really care if it was Toronto (FC), or anybody else, that we play next week,” Atlanta United captain Michael Parkhurst said. “The goal isn’t to set the points record. We can set the points record with one more point, but that’s not the goal. We want to go up there and win the Supporters’ Shield. It’s going to be difficult. Every game is challenging. You saw Chicago (Fire) out there tonight. Out of the playoffs, but a very good performance from them. They gave us some difficulties out there today, and I’m sure Toronto will do the same next week, so we’re going to have to play well.”