ATLANTA, GEORGIA—The dream of Atlanta United FC to enter the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference finals will not be a walk in the park.
In the first round of the MLS playoffs, United FC seeded fifth will visit fourth-seeded New York City FC at the Yankee Stadium on Nov. 21 at 3:00 p.m. EST.
United FC will have its hands full against New York who will have on its arsenal MLS 2021 Golden Boot winner Valentín Castellanos.
Castellanos has been phenomenal this year as far as scoring goals is concerned with 19 goals in the regular season, including the equalizer for NYCFC on Decision Day.
To beat New York, the first strategy of United FC is to stop the Argentine striker from continuing his scoring ways.
United FC must also continue to take advantage of its transition options and give more plays for Brazilian striker Luiz Araújo and Venezuelan star striker Josef Martinez.
United FC midfielders midfielder Ezequiel Barco and Marcelino Moreno must also continue to find ways to score and create plays for the team.
On the defensive end, Miles Robinson, George Bello, and Brad Guzan must also continue to hold the fork.
If United FC wins it will face No. 1 seed and Supporters’ Shield champion New England Revolution in the conference semifinals.
