After securing a dominant 7-2 victory over Inter Miami CF II on Decision Day, newcomers CT United made history as the first independent side to make the playoffs in their first season since Rochester NY FC in 2022, after ending the 2026 regular season in seventh place.
With their playoff spot secured, CT learned who they would face in the opening round during the Pick-Your-Opponent Selection Show. After being passed up twice, CT United heard their name called when third-seed Atlanta United 2 chose to face the first-year independent side in the opening round of the playoffs.
Despite finishing third, Atlanta United 2 is a dangerous side with Arif Kovac, the league’s Golden Boot winner with 20 goals, and Cameron Dunbar, the Playmaker of the Year award recipient with 13 assists and 72 key passes this year.
While playing against “a good Atlanta team,” in the words of Shavar Thomas, the first-year manager says this is the type of scenario he has been preparing his side for this season.
“This is what we pride ourselves on," he said. "Being road warriors and a tough team to play against. This is what we’re preparing our guys for, the postseason. We’re ready.”
The opening-round contest between Connecticut and Atlanta will mark the second all-time meeting between the two sides. The first came on September 8 when CT suffered a devastating 4-1 road loss.
Thomas and his CT United side will look to overcome that loss when they travel to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground to take on Atlanta United 2 in the opening round of the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Playoffs on Friday, October 16 at 6:00 PM ET.
