The Eastern Conference Final is set as Atlanta United, making its second straight appearance at this stage of the playoffs, will host Toronto FC for a ticket to the MLS Cup up for grabs. The past two champions are no stranger to the pressures of the postseason. While neither team is the juggernaut that their previous iterations were, they’ll both like their chances of getting to the final.
Atlanta United vs. Toronto FC
When: Wednesday, October 30
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Atlanta United has had quite an interesting season trying to defend its MLS Cup title. With a new manager at the helm and losing its best player to Newcastle United, it was a struggle for Atlanta United to start the season. They never exactly reached the dominance they should have in 2019, but it’s clear that they are among the most talented teams in the league. Josef Martinez has continued to show he’s in the conversation for being the best striker MLS has ever seen. His 27 goals during the regular season were a tame total by his own lofty standards.
In Frank de Boer’s first season in charge, the defending champions have struggled to find an identity and consistent playing style. They’ve gone from being a wide open team, attacking without regard for consequence, to uber-conservative to the point of the team’s own players complaining about the lack of attacking presence. Nevertheless, Atlanta is back one win away from a second appearance in the MLS Cup.
Toronto FC had a disappointing season by its standards. After finishing a mediocre fourth, they shocked top seed NYCFC in the conference semifinals to make this round. Despite the absence of top striker Jozy Altidore, they’ve found a way to get the job done. Some may argue their advancement was more of NYCFC’s self-inflicting mistakes than TFC’s good work. However, they’re one more good result away from another MLS Cup. Altidore’s return is still questionable. They’ve proven they can win without him, but having him available to go against Atlanta’s defense that hasn’t given up a goal in two playoff games would be a huge boost to their chances.
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