Atlanta United
Atlanta United

It would take a lot for Atlanta United not to play for MLS Cup

Atlanta United players mob Hector Villalba after his goal for a 3-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls during the second half in their Eastern Conference finals MLS soccer game on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Atlanta United players mob Hector Villalba after his goal for a 3-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls during the second half in their Eastern Conference finals MLS soccer game on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
By The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nov 27, 2018

Just how big was Atlanta United’s 3-0 victory over New York Red Bulls in the first leg of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday?

Take a look at what must happen for Atlanta United not to advance to the MLS Cup next week after the second leg of the series Thursday in New York.

MLS produced this chart that goes through every scenario up to five goals scored by either team:

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Atlanta United advances with a victory. Should the Red Bulls win 3-0, the match would go to extra time. The Red Bulls would advance with a victory of four or more goals.

Should Atlanta United advance, it would host the winner of the Western Conference final between Portland and Sporting KC in the MLS Cup on Dec. 8. Those teams played to a 0-0 draw on Sunday. The second leg is Thursday night.

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