The most anticipated playoff matchup of the 2018 MLS season was supposed to be a tight affair between two clubs with well-known footballing philosophies. Yet, Atlanta United’s 3-0 win over the Supporters’ Shield-winning New York Red Bulls was another example of what can happen to good teams that play it safe against Tata Martino’s men.



Red Bulls manager Chris Armas relied on a strategy that previous visitors to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, namely Seattle and Portland, executed effectively to earn 1-1 draws earlier in the season. Unfortunately for Armas, it backfired. Ahead of the playoffs, Tata Martino made formational, tactical and personnel adjustments that protected his backline and allowed his team to breakdown a bunkered opponent.



“We’ve made changes. Less build play, more direct long balls,” Martino said while addressing the Spanish-speaking media after the game. “But when you’ve been knocked down by an opponent so...