A redemptive 2021 has brought the Five Stripes back into the playoffs after missing out for the first time last year following a disastrous 2020 campaign. A fifth place finish in the Eastern Conference sends Atlanta United on a visit to Yankee Stadium to kick off the postseason, a familiarly difficult place to pick up a win for any team.
In their playoff history, though, Atlanta have good record at Yankee Stadium, winning one of one matches there as part of the 2018 MLS Cup run three years prior. This year, both NYCFC and United finished even at 51 points apiece, and drew their last meeting 1-1 in the Benz last month.