Two teams striving to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race will clash on Thursday night as New York City FC welcomes Atlanta United to Yankee Stadium.
New York City FC is eager to bounce back after a disappointing home defeat to the Houston Dynamo, which marked the end of a three-match unbeaten run that featured victories over the Chicago Fire and their local rivals, New York Red Bulls. Despite the setback, NYCFC has delivered impressive performances this season against stronger teams like the Philadelphia Union and Orlando City, showcasing their potential to turn the tide.
On the other hand, Atlanta United has had a challenging start to the season, falling short of expectations with a roster that includes several new key players. Their recent losses to the Red Bulls and Philadelphia have left them languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Currently, Atlanta sits in 13th place, eight points adrift of a playoff spot.
As NYCFC holds the 10th spot in the standings, just behind Chicago and Charlotte, both teams will be looking to secure crucial points in their quest for playoff positioning.
This matchup promises to be a critical one for both franchises, not just for their immediate positioning but also for building momentum as the season progresses.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
With both teams hungry for a win, this game could be a turning point in their respective seasons.