Martino optimistic about Atlanta’s future after playoff miss

Gerardo Martino expresses optimism about Atlanta United’s future, despite the team missing the playoffs this season.

Prior to their 3-1 loss to Toronto FC, Atlanta was already out of postseason consideration, with Miguel Almirón shining for the Five Stripes.

Almirón scored early on and assisted Cooper Sanchez before halftime, and Aleksey Miranchuk added another goal shortly after the break.

This victory marked only Atlanta’s ninth win in the MLS for 2026, leaving them 10 points behind the playoff cutoff ahead of their match against the New York Red Bulls on Decision Day.

This is the first time since 2022 that Atlanta has failed to qualify for the playoffs, yet Martino remains hopeful for a better outcome in the next season. “We want to finish the season strong, and it’s clear why people should have faith in this team,” Martino stated. “When you watch the last game—whether in the stadium or at home—you can see how competitive the team is.” He emphasized that the team has developed an identity, noting their effort even when the match had no stakes.

Autumn in ATL https://t.co/18t7DcE7Tv

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 5, 2026

This weekend’s matchup at Sports Illustrated Stadium features two teams that have struggled this season, as NYRB also missed the playoffs. NYRB had aimed to keep their postseason hopes alive until the end, and took a promising lead against Nashville SC, only for Nashville to score three unanswered goals, including a last-minute winner from Sam Surridge.

“We’re really disappointed,” admitted NYRB’s Michael Bradley when discussing the season. “The journey to become a strong team that can withstand tough moments is challenging.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

NYRB – Julian Hall

Julian Hall netted his 13th goal of the season during the loss to Nashville, matching the record for the most goals by a teenager in a single MLS regular season alongside Ricardo Pepi (2021) and Diego Fagundez (2013). Additionally, his 31 starts tie him for second-most by a teenager in a regular season.

ADRI JULIAN #RBNY | @Audi https://t.co/AR6a9wHdUR

— Red Bull New York (@NewYorkRedBulls) November 1, 2026

Atlanta – Miguel Almiron

Almiron has recorded a minimum of 60 shots, 60 chances created, seven goals, and seven assists in an MLS regular season for the second time, with his first occurring in 2018. In contrast, all other Atlanta players have managed such a season only once, illustrating a major factor in their failure to reach the playoffs this time around.

MATCH PREDICTION: NYRB WIN

Atlanta earlier defeated NYRB 2-1 at home in August and is now attempting to achieve back-to-back wins against them for the first time. If they succeed, NYRB would become the 25th club against which Atlanta has managed consecutive victories across all competitions.

In their win over Toronto, Atlanta achieved an expected goals (xG) value of 4.60, the highest in the club’s history for an MLS match, while their xG of 3.56 in the second half stands as the third-highest recorded by any team in a single half in the last decade.

Having made the playoffs for an MLS-record 15 consecutive seasons from 2010-2024, NYRB will now miss the MLS Cup playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time. The Red Bulls have also conceded 62 goals this season, marking the third-highest in the club’s history.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

NYRB – 47.6%

Draw – 26.1%

Atlanta – 26.3%