Atlanta United’s magic numbers

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (7) hugs Atlanta United midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) after Nagbe makes a goal during the match between NYC FC and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, April 15, 2018. The goal was later taken away due to a penalty. (REANN HUBER/REANN.HUBER@AJC.COM)

Credit: Reann Huber

Credit: Reann Huber

Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (7) hugs Atlanta United midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) after Nagbe makes a goal during the match between NYC FC and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, April 15, 2018. The goal was later taken away due to a penalty. (REANN HUBER/REANN.HUBER@AJC.COM)

With four games remaining in the MLS regular season, Atlanta United’s magic numbers are:

.04

Increase in average points per game needed to set the MLS record for points per game in a season. The team is averaging 2.10 points per game. The record of 2.13 ppg was set by the L.A. Galaxy in 1998.

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1

Point needed from the two remaining road games to set the MLS record for points earned away from home. Atlanta United is tied with Seattle (2011) atop the historic table with 32 points. Atlanta United will play at New York Red Bulls on Sunday and will finish the season at Toronto.

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2

Points to clinch a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League. Among the ways to qualify is the combined points total for the 2017 and ‘18 seasons. Atlanta United leads the field with 118 points. Each team has four games remaining. So any combination of two points gained by Atlanta United or lost by its closest competitor will push the Five Stripes into the tournament, which features 16 teams from CONCACAF and will be played from February-April next year.

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2

Wins needed to set the MLS record for victories in a season. Atlanta United has 19. The post-shootout era record of 20 is held by Seattle (2014) and Toronto (20).

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7

Points to set the MLS single-season record for points. The mark of 69 was set by Toronto last year.

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9

Points gained by Atlanta United or lost by New York Red Bulls to clinch the Supporters’ Shield. The Five Stripes have 63 points. They lead second-place New York Red Bulls by four points. Each team has four games remaining. They will play on Sunday in Harrison, N.J. Should Atlanta United defeat Red Bulls, it would represent six of the nine points. The team would need just three more points to clinch its first trophy.

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13

Goals scored allowed and none allowed, or any increase in goal difference of 13, to set the MLS record for goal difference. The team’s difference is plus-29. The record of 41 was set by the L.A. Galaxy in 1998.