Atlanta United returns to action this week after the September international break. The club currently sits in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 40 points, two points off the playoff line. With two matches remaining in the regular season, Atlanta United has the chance to pick up six points and qualify for the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Here, we break down what Atlanta United needs to do in order to qualify. First, we'll take a look at what's at stake this weekend, then we look at what scenarios are possible and which results could impact Atlanta United's standing, with two matches remaining.
What could happen this weekend
There are two games that could affect Atlanta United's playoff chances:
- Friday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET - Inter Miami CF at Toronto FC
- Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET - New York Red Bulls at Columbus Crew
If Atlanta United earns a win against New England Revolution on Saturday, Atlanta cannot be eliminated from playoff contention until October 5 at the earliest.
With a draw against New England, Atlanta United is eliminated from playoff contention with:
- Inter Miami win OR Columbus Crew win
With a loss against New England, Atlanta United is eliminated from playoff contention with:
- Inter Miami draw or win OR a Columbus Crew win
This article was updated to reflect FC Cincinnati's draw with Seattle on 9/27.
If Atlanta United picks up 6 points in its final two matches:
CLINCH with any three of the following 5 scenarios:
- Orlando gains 0 points vs: @ New York City FC, @ Inter Miami CF, Columbus Crew
- Cincinnati gains 0 points: Chicago, @ D.C. United
- Miami gains 3 points or less vs: @ Toronto FC, Orlando City, CF Montréal
- Columbus gains 4 points or less vs: New York Red Bulls, @ Charlotte FC, @ Orlando City
- Charlotte gains 7 points or less vs. Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, @ New York Red Bulls
ELIMINATED with any three of the following scenarios:
- Orlando gains 1 point in 3 games
- Cincinnati gains 1 point in 2 games
- Miami gains 4 points in 3 games
- Columbus gains 5 points in 3 games
- Charlotte gains 9 points in 3 games
If Atlanta United picks up 4 points in its final two matches (New England Revolution eliminated):
CLINCH with all scenarios:
- Miami gains 1 point or less vs: @ Toronto, Orlando City, Montréal
- Columbus gains 2 points or less vs: New York Red Bulls, @ Charlotte FC, @ Orlando City
- Charlotte gains 5 points or less vs. Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, @ New York Red Bulls
ELIMINATED with any scenario:
- Miami gains 2 points in 3 games
- Columbus gains 3 points in 3 games
- Charlotte gains 6 points in 3 games
If Atlanta United picks up 3 points in its final two matches:
CLINCH with all scenarios:
- Miami gains 0 points vs: @ Toronto, Orlando City, Montréal
- Columbus gains 1 point or less vs: New York Red Bulls, @ Charlotte FC, @ Orlando City
- Charlotte gains 4 points or less vs. Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, @ New York Red Bulls
- New England draw/loss at Chicago (on October 9)
- OR Atlanta United defeats New England on October 1
ELIMINATED with any scenario:
- Miami gains 1 point in 3 games
- Columbus gains 2 points in 3 games
- Charlotte gains 5 points in 3 games
- New England gains 6 points in 2 games
If Atlanta United picks up 2 points or less in its final two matches:
The club will be ELIMINATED from the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.
