1. Toronto FC
Toronto FC may be Atlanta’s biggest rival at this point. There is a lot of intensity between these teams when they meet, and the quality of play is some of the best in the league. In three matches so far, every single game ended in a 2-2 draw.
That includes a match in Toronto in April 2017, when Atlanta was barely a team in MLS. That also includes a season finale in Atlanta in front of a then record-breaking crowd, where the Five Stripes were fighting for playoff seeding. That also includes this season’s lone meeting, which featured a late goal in each half by Toronto and an ugly, physical altercation between players to end the match.
Toronto was the best team in MLS in 2017 and made a strong case for being the best team in the continent. Atlanta still held their own in both matches anyway. This year, although Toronto is struggling in league play, the Reds still brought their best stuff to Atlanta, despite the Five Stripes sitting atop the league. Both teams are managed by smart coaches and boast a lot of overall team talent.
Atlanta will travel to Toronto in October for the season finale. Chances are that game will also end 2-2 based on the history between these two teams. No matter what, there will be an intensity among the players and even the coaches, and you can bet the quality of the match is going to be fantastic. Atlanta may be fighting for the Supporters Shield at that point, and Toronto might be trying to play spoiler.