With just a few games left, the Eastern Conference leaders were prepared for what they received from the Georgian team, which was currently sitting outside the postseason places. Even though Atlanta United had the most possession in the first half, the Union's defense held strong. In the 28th minute, the Union were able to put into play their rapid assault when McGlynn threaded a ball to the center of the field for the team's top scorer, Daniel Gazdag, in the Atlanta half of the field. The Hungarian sent a beautiful through ball into the penalty area for Julian Carranza, but the forward's attempt went high and wide.

The Union's defense, who had just finished a first half in which they allowed no goals, had another Best XI moment in the 50th minute thanks to outstanding efforts from center-back Jakob Glesnes and goalkeeper Andre Blake. While being pushed by Jack Elliott, Atlanta was left with little choice but to take a shot forcing Blake to make a diving save to his right. Dwyer was charging in on a counterattack when the rebound landed just at his feet, but Glesnes made a sliding block to prevent the tap-in. Again frustrated, the Atlanta striker was left wondering how he didn't score when the Union defender tapped the second rebound to Blake, who was down on the ground. As the match entered second-half stoppage time, Atlanta's all-time best goalscorer, Josef Martinez, was just outside the door, but goalkeeper Blake made a quick reaction save to keep the score knotted.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Rachel Pearce]