Whatever happens between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United in the second leg of the 2018 MLS Eastern Conference Final, the outcome of the Western Conference Final will have some relevance to RBNY and its fans.
There is still one available berth for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League. If Portland Timbers win the 2018 MLS Cup, then Portland Timbers will play CCL next year. If any of the other remaining teams in the playoffs win MLS Cup, then RBNY plays CCL next year.
So whether or not RBNY pulled off the greatest comeback in the history of MLS playoffs in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Final, this game means something to the Red Bulls.