An unlikely, yet still possible, playoff push starts and ends with New York.
Making the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs is mathematically still possible for Atlanta United, and they'll head into New York City with that in mind. They would need to win their remaining three matches and have a couple teams not pick up any more points, one of which being their final opponent of the season New York Red Bulls.
They'll start up in Queens instead of the Bronx for their match Wednesday night, as New York City FC will host at Citi Field instead of the usual Yankee Stadium.
New stadium, same strategy
Of course, head coach Tata Martino and his staff aren't focused on the venue but rather a victory, knowing that without one the 5-Stripes will be eliminated from playoff contention.
"We'll get used to it," Martino said in Spanish Tuesday. "It's what the opponent brings, in addition to the many footballing attributes they have. We have to compete."
New York City comes into the match just five points ahead of Atlanta United in 12th place in the Eastern conference — so both teams will play with the conviction of teams chasing that playoff line. Despite NYCFC's standing in the table, they've conceded the third-fewest goals in the Eastern Conference this season. Still, in the reverse fixture, the 5-Stripes came back from two deficit's to draw 2-2 with the Boys in Blue. The 5-Stripes narrowly outproduced on expected goals, and their attacking fluidity has shown strides since.
Attention then turns to the defensive third. That match featured an Atlanta United side without much of its spine, as players like Júnior Alonso, Paulo Díaz and more were gone representing their national teams. They'll get a chance at a redepmtory win on the road with a near-full squad at their disposal, with just Enea Mihaj and Will Reilly listed as out on the club's Tuesday availability report.
Having Alonso and Díaz will be paramount for the 5-Stripes, as they had to rotate the backline heavily in the September draw against New York City. Alonso, a summer signing, spoke Tuesday about his adjustment process and how lots of squad changes made for a tumultuous season.
"I think my adaptation has been quick because I'm somewhat accustomed to the style of play that coach Tata asks for," Alonso said in Spanish. "It was much easier for me to adapt to that system. Obviously, because there were many changes during this season, the team hasn't fully adapted."
Goal setting
Martino and Alonso were thinking bigger than just NYCFC on Tuesday. Of course, they wouldn't rule out an improbable postseason push. At the same time, they know their performances for the remainder of the season set the stage for the future regardless of whether they end up making the playoffs.
"To show that we have sporting integrity, to show that we have courage, to show that we have the desire to keep competing," Martino said. "I think there is a lot the team can show in these 3 games that, without a doubt, should provide answers for next year."
Conviction is the word Martino chose when discussing what kind of improvement he wants to see. That killer attitude and finishing touch that has been all too elusive for the 5-Stripes this season was top of mind for the gaffer, and they'll certainly need it to close out the season.
"In any case, this is achieved through daily work," Martino said. "Competing and preparing the team physically, football-wise, and mentally to convey that."
Martino, of all people, knows the heights the club has reached under his leadership. He's imparted that belief in his players, and Alonso took ownership of leading that improvement on the pitch. After all, he said, they're professionals who love the sport — the work is the rewarding part.
"We are going to have the obligation, and that's also something personal, that I'm determined to give my best and to help the team reach the top positions," Alonso said. "... The history of this club demands it, and we as players have to be prepared to make that leap."
