Already in 2017, in its 1st season in the MLS and with the former coach of FC Barcelona and Argentina “Tata” Martino on the bench, Atlanta United reached the play-off of 1/4 final of the Conference by finishing 4th in the standings. Eastern Conference.
He brushed in fact the semis, as he was eliminated in the penalty shootout by Columbus Crew (1-3).
This season has saved the play-off of 1/4, because as 2nd classified of the Eastern Conference in the regular phase agreed directly to the conference semis against the powerful New York City FC where David Villa plays.
He has eliminated the Villa team and also won the 2 games (0-1 in the New York idea and 3-1 in the return in Atlanta), so now he can not let himself be the favorite against the other New York team for be a conference champion and play the final for the Major Soccer League title.
A lot of talent and many internationals with their respective teams, especially from midfield up, under the orders of Martino. In fact it is that with 70 goals scored in the 34 days of regular phase Atlanta has been the most goalscorer team of the 2 conferences.
The most outstanding ones in this squad are Miguel Almirón (midfielder, Paraguay), Leandro González (defender, Argentina), Brad Guzan (goalkeeper, USA), Hector Villalba (forward, Argentina), Patrick Okonkwo (forward, Nigeria), Chris McCann ( midfielder, Ireland), and Josef Martínez (striker, Venezuela).
Its rival, New York Red Bulls, finished 1º of conference in the regular phase, although with only 2 points of difference on Atlanta (71 to 69), and a general averagge goal almost equal (+29 and +26).
Unlike Atlanta, the Red Bulls had to come back in the play-off, because after losing 1-0 in the Columbus Crew field they won 3-1 on the return leg.
PREDICTION: Atlanta United to win @ 1.80
