Atlanta United returns to action in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs Thursday night when it hosts No. 3 seed Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The match, presented by SunTrust and Georgia Power, is set to kick-off at 8 p.m. ET and will be nationally televised on ESPN 2.
Atlanta defeated New England Revolution 1-0 Oct. 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the first round as Franco Escobar scored his third career post-season goal in the 70th minute with an assist from Ezequiel Barco. Escobar has now scored three postseason goals in six appearances and two goals in 47 MLS regular season appearances.
Philadelphia rallied to a 4-3 comeback win over New York Red Bulls in extra time at Talen Energy Stadium Oct. 20. After trailing by two goals twice, Philadelphia responded with goals from Alejandro Bedoya, Jack Elliot, Fafa Picault and Marco Fabián to earn its first ever MLS playoff victory. The two-goal deficit comeback matched the largest in a playoff game in MLS history.
This will be the seventh meeting all-time between the two sides and the first in MLS Cup Playoffs. Atlanta is 3-1-2 all-time versus Philadelphia, including a 2-0-1 record at Mercedes-Benz Stadium where Atlanta has won each of its last four postseason games. Forward Josef Martinez leads Atlanta with six career goals against the Union.
In the first meeting in 2019 on March 17, Atlanta and Philadelphia played to a 1-1 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Philadelphia won the last meeting 3-1 at Talen Energy Stadium on Aug. 31 to claim its first ever victory against Atlanta.
MATCH INFORMATION
Thursday, Oct. 24 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |8 p.m. (ET)
Atlanta United (18-12-4, 58 points) vs. Philadelphia Union (16-11-7, 55 points)
BROADCAST SCHEDULE
TV | ESPN 2
Spanish Radio | La Mejor 1600 AM
English Radio | 92.9 The Game
Pre-match coverage:
7 p.m.: AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope)
7:30 p.m.: The Pre-Game show (92-9 The Game)