Atlanta United Vs New York Red Bulls: 5 things we learned – Atlanta 2.0
By Josh Bouland
![HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 29: The Atlanta United FC celebrate with the conference trophy after the Eastern Conference Finals Leg 2 match against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on November 29, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 29: The Atlanta United FC celebrate with the conference trophy after the Eastern Conference Finals Leg 2 match against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on November 29, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/160aec5cd09899b4cd77b0e6f80c6a86ab023d9753ed19c3e6b460e0fae7a2d3.jpg)
3. Home field advantage is big
With their berth in the MLS Cup Final, Atlanta now know that they will host the final at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
Atlanta’s home field advantage is a big one. The Five Stripes haven’t lost a home match in league play since May 20 (against Red Bulls oddly enough). This Eastern conference final proves Atlanta’s home field advantage is strong. That advantage helped Atlanta to their first win over New York after four failed attempts. The 3-0 first leg win set up the opportunity for Atlanta to sit back and absorb pressure en route to the MLS Cup Final.
Losing at Red Bull Arena (again) only strengthens the notion that Atlanta will need the home field advantage. Despite not being perfect at home, the advantages are clear.
In three playoff matches at Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta has allowed only one goal while scoring six. Over 200,000 fans have made their way to the stadium in those three matches and it is likely another 70,000+ fans will attend the MLS Cup Final.
The fans create an atmosphere that the players on both sides acknowledge. With such a strong track record in the playoffs and regular season thus far, Atlanta will be excited to play at home for a trophy.