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Atlanta United: The 5 best candidates for an actual rival

By Josh Bouland

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 13: Atlanta United forward Hector Villalba (15) talks with an official during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and Atlanta United on May 13, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 13: Atlanta United forward Hector Villalba (15) talks with an official during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and Atlanta United on May 13, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 04: Toronto’s Chris Mavinga (23) is restrained by Michael Bradley (center) after the match ended, resulting in a red card for Mavinga, during the match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on August 4th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 04: Toronto’s Chris Mavinga (23) is restrained by Michael Bradley (center) after the match ended, resulting in a red card for Mavinga, during the match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on August 4th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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.

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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.

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