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Well, the stage has been set. If Atlanta United can win tonight, they will host the Eastern Conference Final after top seed NYCFC were eliminated by Toronto FC last night. That is a humongous “if” right now, however. The Philadelphia Union are here to wreak havoc, something they’ve done very well all season.
It was the Union in Philadelphia that really started Atlanta’s late season downswing that caused them to miss out on the top seed. The Union topped the Five Stripes 3-1 back late August with Kacper Przybylko scoring the winner in the second half.
Philly also came to Atlanta very early in the season and walked out with a 1-1 draw in the infancy of the Frank de Boer era. So, if you think this will be an easy win for the home team, think again.
The situation is pretty clear for De Boer. In addition to Miles Robinson being out, Michael Parkhurst is also unavailable for selection after the shoulder injury he picked up against New England. This means that Florentin Pogba will likely be asked to slot in as a starter one of the center back spots if they keep the same shape to start out.
We’ve already seen what the pressure of a one-and-done format can do to talented teams. Here’s to hoping that the playoff pedigree this team has built up over the past few seasons is enough to get them through this tough round and on to better things.
Let’s playoff soccer.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
#ATLUTD's Starting XI vs @PhilaUnion pic.twitter.com/WMIFXlstAe
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) October 24, 2019
Philadelphia Union’s Lineup:
Squad’s all set for tonight’s @audi #MLSCupPlayoffs showdown
— X - Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) October 24, 2019
1️⃣1️⃣ : https://t.co/QWFRRZPByM#PhillyOrNothing |#ATLvPHI pic.twitter.com/VU1JcHWaKE
How to Watch
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Advertised Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Available TV: ESPN2
Available Streaming: WATCHESPN
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600 AM
Pre-match coverage: 7:00 p.m.: AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope)
7:30 p.m.: The Pre-Game show (92-9 The Game)
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