Atlanta United were under pressure. The great Georgia capital is steeped in history of capitulation. The Five Stripes have contributed to that, losing on the first attempt playoff last season and then squandering the Supporters’ Shield on Decision Day this season.
But here, hosting a dangerous New York City FC, they did not falter. Atlanta turned up. And as a result, they now get to face their great Eastern nemesis of this season, the New York Red Bulls, in the Eastern Conference Championship.
Here are three things we learned from Sunday’s 4-1 aggregate win over NYCFC.