Atlanta United @ Philadelphia Union: This could be it

Ben Franklin is almost as dead as Atlanta United's playoff chances

Let us go then you and I, when the past results on the road against Philadelphia are spread out against the sky, like a patient etherized upon a table.

Aug. 23, 2017: Philadelphia and Atlanta draw 2-2

July 7, 2018: Atlanta United beats Philadelphia, 2-0

Aug. 31, 2019: Philadelphia beats Atlanta United, 3-1

May 4, 2021: Philadelphia draws Atlanta United, 1-1…to beat Atlanta United 4-1 on aggregate in Conca Champions.

Sept. 25, 2021: Philadelphia beats Atlanta United 1-0

Aug. 31, 2022: Philadelphia beats Atlanta United, 4-1

Oct. 4, 2023: Philadelphia beats Atlanta United, 3-2

Final tally: 1W-2D-4L with an aggregate score of 14-9.

Going to Chester isn’t quite as bad as going to Red Bull Arena, but it’s the next closest thing. The Union have dominated Atlanta United ever since a 2019 game that’s become a line of demarcation between the Union of days gone by and the team that’s earned more points since 2019 than any other team in MLS.