Atlanta United seeks history against Toronto FC

[October 27, 2018]  Sunday could be a historic day in what has already been a record-breaking season for Atlanta United, though anything less than a road win over Toronto FC could cost Atlanta the Supporters' Shield.

Atlanta (21-6-6, 69 points) has tied the league record for points in a season, set last year by Toronto FC. The New York Red Bulls, however, sit just behind Atlanta in the Eastern Conference table with 68 points, and can still pull ahead with a win over Orlando City on Sunday should Atlanta United fail to maximize their points in Toronto.

After spending the large majority of the season at or near the top of the standings, Atlanta United is focused on finishing the job by claiming the Shield and clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, then hoisting the MLS Cup on their own pitch.

"You want to take advantage of the opportunities when you have them. ... We feel like we've got a short little time frame now where we have Miguel (Almirón) and we have Josef and we spent the money and we've got the fans and we've got a great team. We want to take advantage of it," defender Michael Parkhust told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Atlanta can look no further than Sunday's opponent as an example of how difficult it is to achieve sustained success. After winning the MLS Cup in 2017, Toronto FC (9-18-6, 33 points) will miss this year's playoffs after a season marked by a nearly endless string of injuries all over the roster.

"On days like this, you see more than anything who likes to play, who doesn't, (who), even in difficult circumstances, can still find the right ways to be motivated, to play well, to represent themselves, the team, the club, the fans, everybody in the right way," Toronto captain Michael Bradley said.

Victor Vazquez (knee) and Jozy Altidore (ankle) both underwent season-ending surgeries within the last two weeks, leaving Toronto FC without two of their top attacking threats. Toronto has scored just one goal in its last three games, all losses.

Almirón won't be available for Atlanta United on Sunday, as the midfielder will be given more time to rest his injured hamstring in preparation for the postseason. Tito Villalba trained with the team this week and is expected to be available after missing last Sunday's match due to injury.

This will be Gerardo "Tata" Martino's last regular-season game as Atlanta United's head coach. Martino announced earlier this week that he would be stepping down from his position after Atlanta's playoff run is complete, and multiple reports have suggested that Martino will soon be named manager of Mexico's men's national team.

Toronto and Atlanta played to a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture on August 4.

--Field Level Media

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