Atlanta becomes 1st expansion team since 2009 to reach playoffs

Los Angeles, Sept 28, 2017 (AFP) - Atlanta United became the first expansion side to clinch a Major League Soccer playoff spot in their debut season since 2009 after defeating Philadelphia Union 3-0 on Wednesday.

Julian Gressel and Josef Martinez netted in the first half before a late goal from Jacob Peterson made sure of all three points for United.

The victory extended Atlanta's home unbeaten streak to 12 games and was their fifth win in six games at their new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Since moving into their new home, Atlanta have outscored their opponents by 22 goals to three.

Gressel, who replaced injured Paraguay international midfielder Miguel Almiron, opened the scoring in the 27th minute.

The midfielder collected a pass from Leandro Gonzalez Pirez before holding off Philadelphia's defence to shoot past goalkeeper Andre Blake on 27 minutes.

Martinez then doubled the lead six minutes later after Gressel's assist for his 18th goal of the season.

Substitute Peterson completed a deserved win in the 88th minute, finishing Hector Villalba's assist.

The win left Atlanta third in the Eastern Conference standings with 52 points from 30 games and assured them of a place in the postseason.

New York City FC are second in the table after securing 1-0 win away at Montreal Impact on Wednesday, the goal coming through Jack Harrison in the 29th minute.

Elsewhere Wednesday, in the Western Conference, Los Angeles Galaxy's miserable season saw them eliminated from playoff contention after a 3-3 draw with Houston Dynamo.

The most successful team in the history of Major League Soccer, with five MLS Cup titles, the Galaxy are languishing at the foot of the Western Conference, second from bottom with 28 points.