If the first leg against NYCFC wasn’t enough to prove that Atlanta United possessed the toughness and the mettle to make for a legit MLS Cup contender, the Five Stripes’ 3-1 win in the second leg to seal their passage to the Eastern Conference Final surely did the trick. Atlanta only held about 30% possession on the night — one of its lowest totals of the season — but made the most of counter attacking opportunities and never let the visiting Pigeons get clean looks on goal.
Man of the Match: Miguel Almiron
Almiron is quite the sight for sore eyes in Atlanta who have missed him since he left the team’s 2-1 win over the New England Revolution on October 6 early in the first half.