Red Bulls try to clinch a playoff birth against Atlanta United

New York Red Bulls, Professional, Soccer

November 2, 2021

Wednesday's match is a big game for the New York Red Bulls group of young and hardworking players that have been struggling all summer long, then went on an unbeaten streak that no one thought would ever happen in this 2021 season. A season of growing pains and injuries that put them in such a deep hole, which many thought they weren't going to get themselves out of.

A club that has good talented individual players that weren't cohesive enough as a team finally broke through and has done well-earning points and unbeaten in nine of the last ten games to dig out of a hole and into a playoff position. This is the game where they must earn a victory to earn the full three points to officially stamp their tickets to the MLS Post Season.

Their opponent is Atlanta United who is currently in sixth place and a point ahead of the Red Bulls with the majority of the Eastern Conference in hiatus till decision day this coming Sunday. If the Red Bulls do defeat Atlanta at Red Bull Arena this Wednesday night, they will be in fifth place with one match remaining and will have a chance to try and secure a first-round home playoff match.

Ever since Atlanta United has been in existence in Major League Soccer, they have never won the full three points at Red Bull Arena. They have earned a draw, but most of the match in the regular season or the playoffs has mostly been a loss. That's why this young group, must continue to find a way to score goals and keep this unbeaten streak against Atlanta United moving forward.

"I think we will be more relaxed getting ready for this one, it's going to be another big match for us, as everyone knows I love these one-nil games even if it is a bit too much for the heart, it's good to continue to have them," Said Dru Yearwood. "We know they will create chances and we need to create clear-cut chances as well to get the win. What we need to do all season is trying to make Red Bull Arena a fortress.

"We've been good on the road as well, but we need to make Red Bull Arena as uncomfortable as much as we can, we did that against Montreal and pulled out a victory. We have to continue this to make Atlanta feel uncomfortable as well, then make the move on the weekend to finish off the regular season."

Red Bulls Seeking Playoffs

This will be a tough test for the Red Bulls as Atlanta United has new head coach Gonzalo Pineda, taking over for the sacked Gabriel Heinze. While he has brought the club back to a playoff position, they are coming off a one-goal draw at home against Toronto FC. There could be some frustrations overtaking Atlanta United, but once again the bigger issue is not winning a match at Red Bull Arena.

So now it's time for the home team to get the full three points, punch their tickets to the playoffs and finish up the regular season in Nashville to fight for a home playoff spot. That's why they play the games.