One of the biggest mysteries of the 2017 MLS season was the spell that D.C. United cast upon Atlanta United. Atlanta made the playoffs, as one of the best scoring teams in league history. The Black-and-Red on the other hand, finished 21st overall in the league, and had a historically anemic offense. Yet, on three different occasions, the D.C. Uniteds beat the Atlanta Uniteds.
Any hope of that carrying over into 2018 came to a crash on Sunday afternoon, as the Five Stripes defeated D.C., 3-1. A week after not being able to win against Orlando City, despite being up a goal and a man late on, United were second best for 90 minutes, only getting on the board through a late consolation goal from striker Darren Mattocks.