Atlanta United's First Playoff Opponent: Supporters' Shield Winner, The Philadelphia Union
The wait is over! Atlanta United is back in the playoffs, and they're facing a tough opponent in their first matchup: the Philadelphia Union. You know, the guys who won the Supporters' Shield this year? Yeah, those guys.
The Union have been dominating all season, and they'll be looking to continue that momentum in the playoffs. They've got a super strong defense and a lethal attack, led by the league's top scorer, Julián Carranza.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, will be looking to pull off the upset. They've had a strong season themselves, finishing in the top half of the Eastern Conference. The Five Stripes have a lot of young talent on their team, and they'll be eager to prove themselves.
What To Watch For:
The game will be a real battle, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for the win. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- The battle in midfield. Both teams have some tough tacklers in the middle, so expect some heated battles.
- Atlanta's attack. Can they get past the Union's stifling defense?
- The Union's set pieces. They're deadly from set pieces, so Atlanta's defense will need to be extra careful.
Key Players:
- Julián Carranza (PHI): The league's leading goal scorer, he's a nightmare for defenses.
- Josef Martinez (ATL): The Five Stripes' star striker, he's ready to light up the playoffs.
- Andre Blake (PHI): The Union's goalkeeper, he's practically a wall.
The Matchup:
This game has the potential to be an absolute banger. The Union have a clear edge, but Atlanta's always dangerous. It's a must-watch for all MLS fans!
Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments!