The normally attack-minded Atlanta United went into Yankee Stadium and played five defenders, a tactic that helped neutralize NYCFC in Sunday's win
Few things will force a coach to adapt like a painful loss, and last year's knockout round elimination surely forced Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino to do some soul-searching heading into his second run at the MLS playoffs.
Before the 2017 playoffs began, Martino sounded like a confident, and borderline cocky, manager when asked by Goal whether he would have his team adapt its style to the rough and tumble world of the MLS postseason, where play becomes more physical and referees let a lot more go.