Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs – Conference Semifinals
Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta
October 24 – 8 PM ET
TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, TSN4, TVAS
The Philadelphia Union made history on Sunday, winning a playoff game for the first time since entering the league in 2010. But they will have just a few days to savor their victory over the New York Red Bulls before heading to the imposing home of the defending MLS Cup champions Atlanta United. For the Union to extend their postseason journey any further, they will have to do something they have yet to manage in three previous attempts: win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta United have won three and tied two of the all-time matchups, but Philadelphia won the last time the sides' met, grabbing a 3-1 victory at Talen Energy Stadium in August off of goals from Brenden Aaronson, Kacper Przybylko and Sergio Santos.
Home field advantage proved all-important in Round One of the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, with the home team prevailing in five of the six matchups. And the Union could yet be left to rue finishing just three points behind Atlanta in the Eastern Conference standings, meaning it is Frank de Boer's men, and not Philadelphia, who host on Thursday night.
Atlanta kept their hopes alive of repeating as MLS Cup champions by knocking off the New England Revolution 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Franco Escobar on Saturday.
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Atlanta United
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Brek Shea (D) - knee injury
- OUT: Miles Robinson (D) - left hamstring injury
- OUT: Michael Parkhurst (D) - left shoulder injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Philadelphia Union
- Injury Report:
- QUESTIONABLE: Kacper Przybylko (F) - foot stress reaction
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup at Atlanta United
- Atlanta United: 2 wins, 6 goals
- Union: 0 wins, 1 goal
- 0 draws
MLS Cup Playoffs
- This is the first all-time meeting between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs
Officials
- Referee: Ismail Elfath
- Assistant Referees: Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins
- 4th Official: Baldomero Toledo
- VAR: Edvin Jurisevic