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Atlanta United Vs Philadelphia Union: 3 things to watch for – Injuries galore

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 19: Atlanta United defender Franco Escobar (2) celebrates his goal during the MLS playoff match between the New England Revolution and Atlanta United FC on October 19, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 19: Atlanta United defender Franco Escobar (2) celebrates his goal during the MLS playoff match between the New England Revolution and Atlanta United FC on October 19, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 12: General view from the Atlanta United supporters section during the first half of the game between Atlanta United and Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 12: General view from the Atlanta United supporters section during the first half of the game between Atlanta United and Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

1. A surprising X-factor

If you’ve been to an Atlanta United playoff game, or even just a regular-season game, you know that the crowd almost always plays a factor in the outcome of the game. Either the fans put pressure on the opposing team or they will inspire the Five Stripes to an electric performance. It doesn’t always happen that way, but more often than not, the crowd is an influence.

During the game against New England, the crowd was not as energized as usual. There might be a few reasons why the fans were less enthused. It was rainy and gloomy all day and the game itself wasn’t the most exciting thing. There was a level of uneasiness as well, considering both teams had just faced off two weeks prior. There were also fewer fans than normal, at least for a playoff game.

In 2017, on a Thursday night, Atlanta hosted its first-ever playoff game. It was a weeknight match that occurred just four days after the season ended, forcing fans to make plans in a quick amount of time. Yet, 67,221 people still turned up for the historic occasion, setting a record at the time. Before Saturday, that was Atlanta’s lowest attended playoff match. Their other three matches, each in 2018, drew over 70,000 fans in each match.

Against New England, Mercedes Benz Stadium only hosted 66,114 supporters. Of course, any MLS team would drool at the prospect of hosting 66,000 fans for their playoff match. For Atlanta, that number is below the standard that has been established in their first three years in the league. As of Monday morning, Thursday’s match against Philadelphia will only be open for the bottom two levels of the stadium and not the top level.

Next. Toronto FC Vs D.C. United: 3 things we learned. dark

If that remains the case, Atlanta will only have about 45,000 fans at most. It will mark the fist time the whole stadium hasn’t been opened for a playoff match. Without a large crowd behind the players, Atlanta may come out flat or appear less energized than usual. This will play to Philadelphia and what they’re trying to accomplish and will be an unusual X-factor in this playoff match.

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