The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five Stripes focus on Shield
Several story lines will i ntersect when Atlanta United plays at Toronto on Sunday.
With a win, Atlanta United will clinch the Supporters’ Shield, its first trophy. With at least a draw, Atlanta United will break the MLS record for points in a season (69), set last season by Toronto. With a goal, Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez will extend his single-season scoring record to 31 and likely wrap up the MVP.
Of course, Toronto has a
habit of ruining things for Atlanta United.
Remember last year’s finale, when S ebastian Giovinco’s free kick in the final minutes resulted in a 2-2 draw and knocked Atlanta United from the second seed in the East to the fourth seed? No one who wears red, black and gold has forgotten.
After helping Atlanta United defeat Chicago 2-1 on Sunday, 18-year-old Andrew Carleton was asked if Atlanta United had any extra motivation Sunday following last year’s heartbreaking draw. He started to give an answer that may have been bulle- tin-board material before stopping himself, thinking and then saying: “Yeah, I think we do.”
“It will be interesting to see how it goes. We’re always looking forward to it. I think they’re looking forward to the challenge as well, so I think it’s going to be a good game.”
Eliminated from the play- offs weeks ago, Toronto has nothing to play for other than trying to preserve the tie for the points record and salvaging some pride from a season in which it was predicted by most to defend its MLS Cup.
“You know, we don’t really care if it was Toronto (FC), or anybody else, that we play next week,” Atlanta United captain Michael Parkhurst said. “The goal isn’t to set the points record. We can set the points record with one more point, but that’s not the goal. We want to go up there and win the Supporters’ Shield.”