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Atlanta United Vs Chicago Fire: 5 things we learned – Huge, huge win

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 21: Atlanta's Julian Gressel (24) and Andrew Carleton (30) celebrate after Chris McCann (16) had his shot deflected into the goal during the match between Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire on October 21st, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated the Chicago Fire by a score of 2 to 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 21: Atlanta's Julian Gressel (24) and Andrew Carleton (30) celebrate after Chris McCann (16) had his shot deflected into the goal during the match between Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire on October 21st, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated the Chicago Fire by a score of 2 to 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 21: Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) thanking the fans after the MLS game between the Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire on October 21, 2018 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC secured a place in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League with a 2-1 victory against the visiting Chicago Fire. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 21: Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) thanking the fans after the MLS game between the Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire on October 21, 2018 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC secured a place in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League with a 2-1 victory against the visiting Chicago Fire. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. The Shield race is still on

Atlanta’s win kept them atop the Supporters’ Shield standings for at least another week. They lead the New York Red Bulls by just one point heading into Decision Day. Atlanta will travel to Toronto, where a win will clinch the Shield. New York host Orlando City, one of the worst defenses in MLS history.

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It’s a safe bet that New York, who took care of business this weekend on the road against playoff side Philadelphia, will win at home against Orlando. If they hope to win the club’s third Supporters’ Shield, Atlanta will have to drop points in Toronto.

Atlanta could, however, very well drop points in Toronto, as the two sides have an interesting history. Through three matches so far, each game has resulted in a 2-2 draw. Although unlikely, that score could happen again, opening the door for New York to claim the Shield. Meanwhile, Toronto will have a lot to play for, despite already being eliminated from the playoffs (more on that later).

Here are the possible scenarios for Decision Day and the Supporters Shield:

  • ATL win= ATL Shield
  • ATL draw+NY win= NY Shield
  • ATL loss+NY win= NY Shield
  • ATL draw+NY draw= ATL Shield
  • ATL loss+NY loss= ATL Shield
  • ATL loss by one goal+NY draw= ATL Shield
  • ATL loss by two goals or more+NY draw= NY Shield

There are a lot of possible outcomes. In the end, though, Atlanta controls their own destiny and can win the club’s first trophy with a win.

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