FRISCO, Texas – The top of the Eastern Conference tightened up over the weekend as first-place New York City FC couldn't match Atlanta United's result, bringing the gap between them in the standings down to four points.
The Five Stripes pulled out two stoppage-time goals to defeat the San Jose Earthquakes, while NYCFC left North Texas with only a point after FC Dallas’ Zdenek Ondrasek canceled out Valentin Castellanos' 1st-minute goal.
That leaves Wednesday's top-two clash at Yankee Stadium as a real six-pointer that could see either Atlanta mount a late comeback for the top spot, or the Cityzens all but secure a first-round bye in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.
"We have it in our hands," said NYCFC head coach Dome Torrent on Sunday. "Even if we lose the game, we have one point more than Atlanta. I've said many times we will try to finish in first position. It's my job, our job."
Wednesday remains a first-against-second matchup after the New York Red Bulls defeated the third-place Philadelphia Union, who will host NYCFC on Decision Day next month. Torrent was content to gain a point on the Union but lose two to Atlanta.
"It's not bad," said Torrent. "It's one point. We were happy especially for the first 30 minutes but everybody – my players and me – know we have to improve for the next game. We know it won't be easy, it's Atlanta, the champions last season. It's important. Right now [the gap from first to second] is four points with three games left. It means the league and our conference are in the hands of New York City."
Injuries are an increasing factor heading into Wednesday's game. Atlanta's Josef Martinez was taken off the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on a stretcher, and looks likely to miss the remainder of the regular season. Meanwhile Cityzens fullback Anton Tinnerholm suffered a head injury that forced his early substitution in addition to a late injury withdrawal for Keaton Parks, as the 22-year-old went down holding his hamstring in his homecoming game against Dallas.
"We have Heber, we have Keaton, we have Anton," said Torrent. "It's bad news for MLS because he's a good player. It's bad news for Heber as well, or Keaton, because right now Heber, Keaton and Josef are maybe in the best seven to 10 players in MLS. When that happens, it's not easy to accept that for Atlanta or us."
Parks was disappointed that his first game back in his hometown came to an early end, and confirmed his status as questionable for Wednesday, his team’s final regular-season home game. Despite the injuries, he expects Atlanta and NYCFC to put on a show.
"It's a big game," said Parks. "Atlanta's right there in second place, so it's going to be difficult. They always play well. Even without Josef Martinez they have a lot of quality players. Same with us, though. It's going to be a good game, and hopefully we can get the win at home."
