Atlanta United's playoff battle feels like relegation

Williams is well aware of the many clubs battling for the final two wildcard spots. Sixth-placed team NYCFC has 41 points and a five-point lead over eighth- and ninth-placed teams Toronto and Philadelphia.

Williams' theory is that 39 points are needed to secure one of the two spots. Atlanta United has 33. Williams said the club needs to win at least three of its remaining games to make the playoffs for the second year in a row. Two games are coming up at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, against Montreal and the Red Bulls. But it would be less stressful if Atlanta United could start with a win at Union.

“I think we can do it,” he said.

Atlanta United can blame itself for being on the wrong side of the red line that separates those who get a chance to play for an MLS Cup and those who don't. Atlanta United took just one point from a recent two-game home stand. They took a 2-1 lead against the Red Bulls but couldn't hold on to that lead in the final seven minutes, conceding a late goal and dropping two points in a 2-2 draw.

“We have to stay together as a group and work hard every day,” said Gregersen, who was with Bordeaux when the team was relegated to the French second division for the 2022-23 season. “That's the only thing we have to do. We have to look ahead and know that we have a tough game against Philadelphia. They will perhaps be the toughest away games of the season. But we will prepare well this week.”

Gregersen said it will be difficult because Union have been playing so well recently and Atlanta United are currently sitting low in the table. Philadelphia has won five of its last seven games, while Atlanta United has won just two of its last ten.

There is no promotion or relegation in the MLS, but in some ways it feels like Atlanta United is in a relegation battle. The manager and technical director have already been fired, which is common for teams in leagues with relegation rules.

Like Williams, Gregersen said he knows the table. If the teams are tied on points during the season, the number of wins is the first tiebreaker. The second is goal difference. Atlanta United currently has a better goal difference (minus 4) than the teams around it, with the exception of Philadelphia, which is the only one of the eight teams with a positive goal difference.

Williams said the difference will not be about doing one thing better than before.

“It's everything,” he said. “Everyone just does their best. You know how important the moment is and that you might not get this chance again. I'm just trying to focus on my job and help others around me and yeah, just really push at the end of the season.”

Wildcard hunt

Seeding, team, points, goal difference, remaining games, opponents (current score)

8. Toronto, 36, (minus 17), 3, in Chicago (29), against the Red Bulls (44), against Miami (64)

Two home games and one against a Miami team that probably doesn't have much at stake, having already won the Supporters' Shield.

9. Philadelphia, 36, 10, 4, against Atlanta United (33), in Orlando (43), in Columbus (56), against Cincinnati (56)

With a win against Atlanta United, the team has the best chance of reaching the ninth and final playoff spot.

10. Montreal, 34, (minus 20), 4, against San Jose (18), at Atlanta United (33), at Charlotte (41), against NYCFC (41)

The team was expected to defeat San Jose and prepare for its key game at Atlanta United.

11. Atlanta United, 33, (minus 4), 4, in Philadelphia (36), against Montreal (34), against the Red Bulls (44), in Orlando (43)

The team needs to take something from Saturday's game at Subaru Park and then beat Montreal.

12. Nashville, 33, (minus 15), 4, at New England (28), vs. DC United (33), at NYCFC (41), at Chicago (29)

More away games than the others, but probably the easiest schedule

13. DC United, 33, (minus 17), 4, against Columbus (56), in Nashville (33), in New England (28), against Charlotte (41)

Tough schedule to finish; can Christian Benteke get them into a wildcard spot?

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Atlanta United's 2024 schedule

February 24: Columbus 1, Atlanta United 0

March 9 Atlanta United 4, New England 1

March 17 Atlanta United 2, Orlando 0

March 23 – Toronto 2, Atlanta United 0

March 31 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 0

April 6: Atlanta United 1, NYCFC 1

April 14: Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 2

April 20 – Cincinnati 2, Atlanta United 1

April 27: Atlanta United 1, Chicago 1

May 4: Minnesota 2, Atlanta United 1

May 7: Atlanta United 3, Charlotte Independence 0 in the US Open Cup

May 11: DC United 3, Atlanta United 2

May 15 Cincinnati 1, Atlanta United 0

May 18 – Atlanta United 1, Nashville 1

May 21 Atlanta United 0 (5), Charleston 0 (4) in the US Open Cup

May 25 LAFC 1, Atlanta United 0

May 29 – Atlanta United 3, Miami 1

June 2 Charlotte 3, Atlanta United 2

June 15 Atlanta United 2, Houston 2

June 19 Atlanta United 1, DC United 0

June 22 Atlanta United 1, St. Louis 1

June 29: Atlanta United 2, Toronto 1

July 3: New England 2, Atlanta United 1

July 6: Real Salt Lake 5, Atlanta United 2

July 9 vs Indy Eleven 2, Atlanta United 1

July 13 Montreal 1, Atlanta United 0

July 17 Atlanta United 2, NYCFC 2

July 20: Atlanta United 2, Columbus 1

July 26 DC United 3 (6), Atlanta United 3 (5) in the Leagues Cup

August 4: Santos Laguna 0 (5), Atlanta United 0 (3) in the Leagues Cup

August 24 LA Galaxy 2, Atlanta United 0

August 31: Atlanta United 1, Charlotte 0

September 14: Nashville 2, Atlanta United 0

September 18: Atlanta United 2, Inter Miami 2

September 21: Atlanta United 2, Red Bulls 2

September 28 in Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 against Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

05.10. against Red Bulls, 19:30

October 19 in Orlando, 6 p.m.