MLS Decision Day: Atlanta United clinches last spot in MLS playoffs

ORLANDO — It wasn’t simple or pretty, but Atlanta United clinched a spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs on Saturday night.

The Five Stripes held on during the final minutes to defeat their rival Orlando City, 2-1.

“I feel really proud. There’s a lot of emotion. I feel a lot of joy for the people, the players, the staff, the people at the club that have had a tough year. I don’t know if this vindicates it, it just shows you can do anything if you keep showing up. Just keep showing up, keep doing your work, staying resilient, stay persistent and things went our way,” said Interim Head Coach Rob Valentino.

Atlanta United not only had to win on Decision Day, but also needed results from other games. The win combined with a D.C. United loss and Philadelphia Union loss earned Atlanta United the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference.

They will face CF Montreal in a wildcard match on Tuesday night. Valentino said Atlanta will carry the same mentality from Saturday up to Montreal.

“It’s really the same mentality because we came into this knowing that we had to win the game to give ourselves a chance and it’s going to be the same in Montréal. You’ve got to win the game to give yourself a fighting chance to move on. That won’t change but now get guys as fresh as they can to roll into the next game,” he said.

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Saba Lobzhanidze opened up the scoring in the seventh minute to give United a 1-0 lead. Less than 10 minutes later, Jamal Thiare doubled Atlanta’s lead.

Martin Ojeda scored for Orlando just before halftime. Orlando kept the pressure throughout the second half and for a moment, it looked like they found an equalizer before stoppage time.

However, the goal was disallowed after video assistant referee ruled there was a handball.

“I’ve played so many games where you’re 2-nil up. They always say in football that’s a tricky one where the other team gets one and then they get the momentum and sometimes you score or end up losing the game,” Atlanta United defender Derrick Williams said. “To hold out with a 2-1 win, especially on the road against Orlando. It’s a great day, all the odds against us, and to beat our rivals. I’m just happy for our fans as well.”

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