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MLS: Breaking down the Eastern Conference Playoffs

By Matt Coles

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - November 4: Maxime Chanot #4 of New York City and Jeff Larentowicz #18 of Atlanta United jostle for position at corner kick 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: Maxime Chanot #4 of New York City and Jeff Larentowicz #18 of Atlanta United jostle for position at corner kick 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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MLS, Atlanta United
ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 06: Atlanta’s Leandro González Pirez (5) congratulates Darlington Nagbe (6) after Nagbe scored a first-half goal during the MLS match between the New England Revolution and Atlanta United FC on October 6th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

[2] Atlanta United

Reigning MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United are once again in a strong position to go back-to-back after they finished the regular season in second place, behind NYCFC.

They did so thanks to a final day victory over the New England Revolution, who they will meet again in the first round of the playoffs this weekend. However, the defence of their title has not been without its bumps. They did not win a match until the fifth game of the campaign, when they beat, yes, you guessed it, the Revs.

From there, though, they then went on a five-game winning streak, keeping clean sheets in all five, as they made their way up the standings. Josef Martinez drew back to his best, and he broke another MLS record, scoring in 15 consecutive matches, helping the Five Stripes to the playoff positions.

Another four-match winning streak in August helped them solidify their place in the postseason, which was then guaranteed in mid-September after a comfortable victory over San Jose. Their aspirations of top spot and the bye fell away after a resounding 4-1 defeat to New York City, but a win against New England on Decision Day saw them secure 2nd place.

They now face the Revs again, and can they make it 3 wins out of 3 in 2019 against New England to advance? If so, can they win back-to-back MLS Cup titles?

First Round Fixture – Saturday 19th, 13:00 ET:

[2] Atlanta United v [7] New England Revolution

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