Eastern Conference Final vs Columbus Crew (2018)

Lore & Background

Atlanta United finished second in the Eastern Conference in 2018. They qualified for the playoffs for the second year in a row, defeating New York City FC and New York Red Bulls to reach the Eastern Conference Final. The team then advanced to MLS Cup 2018, where they beat Portland Timbers to win the championship.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium was thick with anticipation and the scent of charcoal from tailgates still echoing in the parking lot. He struck the ball with ruthless efficiency, sending it rocketing past the keeper into the top corner. The stadium erupted, a sea of red and black rising in unison. It was more than a goal; it was a declaration that Atlanta United had arrived as a force to be reckoned with.

Reader's Guide

This match was part of Atlanta United's second MLS season. The team had previously made the playoffs in their inaugural 2017 season, where they lost to Columbus Crew in a penalty shoot-out in the first round.

Did You Know?

• Atlanta United's first playoff appearance was in 2017, not 2018.
• The 2018 Eastern Conference Final was part of Atlanta's run to winning MLS Cup 2018.
• Atlanta United set an MLS attendance record for a playoff game in 2017 with 67,221 spectators.