Atlanta United’s midweek trip to DC didn’t quite go to plan, laying to bare the Five Stripes’ seemingly inescapable weaknesses just when it seemed like Gonzalo Pineda might have found a permanent fix. Nonetheless, Atlanta didn't suffer nearly as much in the standings as it did on the field in the capital and remains solidly in the mix for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference and subsequent playoff home-field advantage (which is all the more critical after Wednesday night’s performance).
With a win over visiting CF Montreal and some help, Atlanta could reach fourth as soon as this Saturday.