Two weeks ago, Atlanta United played one of the most lackluster games of their entire existence (not even exaggerating), and pretty much wrote off any hope of playoff qualification in the eyes of basically everyone. Two matches and six points later, the Five Stripes sit within striking distance of the top seven, even just three points back from fifth, albeit with an additional game played. Some fortunate results and continued form could very well see Atlanta shockingly into the postseason.
The catch? They have to go through Philadelphia. A team with a recent knack for obliterating opponents, winning their last five matches by a combined score of 23-2, including a 4-1 win over Atlanta just a few weeks ago.