Three matches, thousands of miles travelled, and as the team on top, they got the best from each opponent. But Atlanta United made it three wins out of three with a gutsy, crucial win in their return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. The victory, along with a an NYCFC draw, means Atlanta have clinched a first round bye in the playoffs – one step closer to the Supporters' Shield.
Tata Martino rotated the squad with the matches piling up this week, and the headline was in the back. Chris McCann and captain Michael Parkhurst were left out of the lineup to rest, and 16-year-old Academy graduate and Homegrown signing George Bello made his first MLS start at left back.