New York City FC midfielder Jonathan Shore believes they have "three finals" as they look to make a late playoff push in the Eastern Conference.

NYCFC are 12th in the East, four points off rivals New York Red Bulls in ninth heading into the last three regular-season matches.

They kept their slim postseason hopes alive with a 2-2 draw at Orlando City at the weekend, with Shore scoring a last-gasp equaliser for Pascal Jansen's side.

With a home clash against Atlanta United kicking off a key run, Shore has called on his team-mates to already have a playoff mentality.

"I mean, we know it's three finals for us," said Shore.

"It's almost like the playoffs start early because we need to win all three. We need to just leave everything on the field no matter what.

"We need to outwork the opponent, bring the energy, and yeah, we're going to give it our all. Just being focused and being ready to go all in as a team."

Picture perfect views  https://t.co/Yfe2Vrej9s

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) October 27, 2026

Nineteen-year-old Shore has made 51 MLS appearances over the last two seasons, scoring twice.

He believes his experience at this level has prepared him for NYCFC's upcoming crunch fixtures.

"Obviously, with the experience I've gotten at first-team level, you build confidence," said Shore.

"You get better. I think I've also physically matured over the last two years.

"So yeah, I think all the minutes I have been getting have been helping me, and it's just the start for and there's so much more to do.

"But yeah, the experience builds confidence for me, definitely."

Atlanta's playoff hopes are all but over, with the Five Stripes nine points off the Red Bulls after a 3-2 loss against the Chicago Fire last time out.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York City FC – Jonathan Shore

Shore scored the equalising goal in NYCFC's draw with Orlando on Saturday in the ninth minute of stoppage time. It was the latest tying or go-ahead goal ever scored by a teenager in MLS history.

Atlanta United – Miguel Almiron

Miguel Almiron created three chances against Chicago, including setting up the fourth-minute goal for Tomas Jacob, taking his total to 43 chances created since the World Cup break, tied for fifth-most in MLS.

It was Almiron's 15th game since the World Cup break with multiple chances created, tied with Carles Gil for most in MLS in that time.

MATCH PREDICTION: NEW YORK CITY FC WIN

While home advantage could play a role, NYCFC have won only one of their last 14 regular-season matches (D7 L6), though they have managed draws in each of their last two matches.

NYCFC have not won a regular-season home match since July 25, going six straight without a home win (D3 L3), equalling the longest streak in club history.

Atlanta are unbeaten in five consecutive regular-season away matches (W3 D2), their longest road unbeaten run since a six-game stretch in March-June 2018.

The Five Stripes have lost only one of their last seven meetings with NYCFC (W1 D5), including earning a 2–2 home draw on September 26.

Atlanta are one of two Eastern Conference teams (Inter Miami) that NYCFC have not defeated multiple times in league play since the start of the 2023 season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York City FC – 53.9%

Draw – 22.5%

Atlanta United – 23.6%