(Photo by Brandon Koodish - Double G Media) Feature Result in Red Bulls Final Home Match may Make Playoff Run Possible New York Red Bulls travel to Chicago in the elimination round on Wednesday. by Jayson Love October 24, 2017 On “Decision Day” the New York Red Bulls knew they were going to the playoffs, they just didn’t know to where they would be packing their bags. Firmly entrenched in the sixth and final playoff spot, the Red Bulls knew they would be facing the dreaded one-game elimination match at either Chicago Fire, or upstart expansion squad Atlanta United. Atlanta United is no ordinary expansion squad. Their home-field advantage is definite as in their first year, they lost only three of 17 home matches while winning 11 and drawing just three. In its last home game of the season, Atlanta showed its high level of play drawing Red Bull 0-0. The result put Atlanta on 54 points and in position to grab third place and a date with the Red Bulls in the playoffs opening round. However, Atlanta was unable to get more than a draw from its last match of the season and on tie-breakers, Chicago took third place in the East. This means New York will head to Chicago for the elimination game this week. Despite Chicago’s impressive home record (actually overall better than Atlanta) there are several reasons a trip to Chicago is better than going to Atlanta. First, the atmosphere in Atlanta which Red Bull head coach Jesse Marsch called “awesome” after Red Bull won their 2-1 in March, is intimidating to any squad and in the playoffs, it would certainly be at another level. Despite Chicago Fire’s similar home record, it is worth noting that Atlanta lost two of its first three home matches and has lost just once at home since March. Chicago did not lose at home until August when the Fire dropped back-to-back home matches. The Fire are also a veteran laden club that features players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and former Red Bull Dax McCarty and it is possible the long season may be taking its toll on Chicago as the Fire have gone just 2-2-1 in its last five. There is also uncertainty surrounding Schweinsteiger as he admits “no clubs want him” as his MLS contract nears its end. So, for Red Bulls, the chances at a MLS Cup Playoff run are slim, but a trip to Chicago is a slightly better opportunity than Atlanta. Post Views: 1,588 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Jayson Love Jayson is a Staff Writer for DoubleGSports.com Latest posts by Jayson Love (see all) Red Bulls Forced to Go with Make Shift Lineup Due to International Callups and Injury, Win 3-0 - March 25, 2018 The United States National Team Doesn’t Develop Young Talent? Don’t blame the Red Bulls - March 21, 2018 Red Bulls Make History with Champions League Win at Tijuana, Bradley Wright-Phillips Scores a Brace - March 7, 2018 New York Red Bulls Are New Look Red Bulls as 2018 Season Approaches - February 21, 2018 Related TopicsAtlanta UAtlanta UnitedAtlanta United FCbastian schweinsteigerChicago Fireschweinsteiger Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Women in Sports: Podcast Host, New York Riptide Sideline Reporter, Dani Wexelman by Luke Porco | posted on March 3, 2020 From Paramus High School to CBS Sports, Spero Dedes is making waves in sports broadcasting by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on October 27, 2020 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 “Overtime” l Ep. 28: TopSpin Celeb-Athlete Tournament – Dec. 6, 2018 by Stefany Romero | posted on December 19, 2018 More in Feature You Know I’m Right, Episode 113: New York Post Columnist Phil Mushnick (Audio/Video) On the 113th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 112: New York Jets’ Insider Brian Costello (Audio/Video) On the 112th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 111: New York Giants’ Insider John Schmeelk (Audio/Video) On the 111th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) On the 109th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Mickey Callaway impressed in his introduction as manager of the Mets Red Bulls find success in unfamiliar role, the Underdog