Atlanta United Vs New York City FC: 3 things we learned – Gritty win

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - November 4: Eric Remedi #11 of Atlanta United celebrates after scoring with team mates Leandro Gonzalez #5 of Atlanta United, Franco Escobar #2 of Atlanta United and Jeff Larentowicz #18 of Atlanta United during the New York City FC Vs Atlanta United FC MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal match at Yankee Stadium on November 4th, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - November 4: Eric Remedi #11 of Atlanta United celebrates after scoring with team mates Leandro Gonzalez #5 of Atlanta United, Franco Escobar #2 of Atlanta United and Jeff Larentowicz #18 of Atlanta United during the New York City FC Vs Atlanta United FC MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal match at Yankee Stadium on November 4th, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – November 4: Atlanta United players celebrate at the end of the game during the New York City FC Vs Atlanta United FC MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal match at Yankee Stadium on November 4th, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – November 4: Atlanta United players celebrate at the end of the game during the New York City FC Vs Atlanta United FC MLS Eastern Conference Semifinal match at Yankee Stadium on November 4th, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

2. First playoff win in club history

Atlanta is continuing to make history. Although this game didn’t lead to any broken league records or even team records, it was a significant result nonetheless. All Atlanta supporters can breathe a little easier now that it has its first playoff win.

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Atlanta’s professional sports teams often leave a lot to be desired with the city’s inhabitants, and Atlanta United is no different. The Five Stripes failed to win their home playoff game last season and failed to secure the Supporters’ Shield just a little over a week ago. However, they did win their first ever playoff game and can move forward with a new confidence.

It took Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons a long time to get Ryan’s first playoff win. Once it happened, the city relaxed and that storyline quickly faded. The same can be said for the young Atlanta Braves that lost their first two playoff games during this most recent postseason. They won in the third game of the series and there was a collective sigh of relief. Now that franchise can move forward in its playoff endeavors, just as the Falcons did.

With a playoff win under their belt, Atlanta United can now move forward as well. Ideally, the win will propel the Five Stripes to a strong performance, in front of a ravenous home crowd this Sunday during the return leg. If all goes well, Atlanta can win its first ever playoff series and continue its pursuit for the MLS Cup.