Five Takes On The Five Stripes

The one where pink is already the love we've discovered

4-24 Chicago Fire

 

1: Barco out there working on that transfer fee. It’s a ridiculous goal and one that goes sailing over the bar in previous iterations of Barco. For the first time we are seeing real consistency out of little boat. He’s still getting chopped down like a tree in the Amazon, but we’re not seeing his frustrations with that take over. Goals will do that for a player. 

 

2: Heinze has figured out something that FDB was never able to do, how to be a threat without Josef. Grant it, we have different players and there’s also fans in the stands but still, the attack is very encouraging. God help the league when the Salmon King starts producing goals consistently. 

 

3: The Chicago goal is an embarrassing one to give away. Fortunately we were able to rally and continue to assert dominance and control. Switching off in silly moments can be a game killer but there’s something different about this team this year. There’s a joy, a freedom and a ton of confidence on display. We are already seeing a collective understanding in the squad. They understand each other. They understand the coach and the coach understands them. 2020 was a damn fluke. This is the Atlanta United we recognize. 

 

4: There should be ZERO concerns about Josef. He was up for it tonight and it was the most active we have seen him in his kill zone. I saw no hesitation from him and he very nearly had a brace if not for some last ditch defending from the fire. For the 25 mins he was on I thought he contributed a lot and he hit a great long ball. 

5: Heinze! He’s becoming the 13th man. He’s showing his passion and his intensity. It’s crucial to our success. He’s on the field with them! The wins and losses are as much on him as it is the players. I think he’s our kind of coach. Loved the leap into the air after the 3rd goal. 

The one where father is kind to his kids

1: Barco even putting in tackles now to win the ball back. I continue to be really happy with pretty much everything he is doing. When Josef is fully back I think lil boat is gonna be even more of a handful for teams as they all Josef watch. 

 

2: Heinze with a bit of gamesmanship after that no foul on Pato in the box. The ball went out of play and he quickly grabbed it and tossed into the arms of an Orlando player to try to expedite the throw in to hopefully prevent a review form happening. Like I said, there was no foul and that probably seems like a small thing but what it shows me is a coach who is 100% dialed into the entirety of the game and is looking for any advantage. I just really really like the level of engagement we are getting from Heinze. I feel much more comfortable with him Heinze even if we’re not clicking in a game. I trust him to always be working to solve the problem. 

 

3: Lennon has satellite guided accuracy. Great first touch. Great control. He needs Lisandro in space. I think he can be even better than what Gressel was for us if he can sync up Pacific Rim style with Lisandro/Josef. He’s more athletic than Gressel and his fitness level is other worldly. He can do full 90 shifts twice a week for weeks on end if necessary. 

 

4: Sosa the enforcer. He is aggressive in winning the ball back and clean and calm with it at his feet. He’s been featured in each pod so far and that’s probably gonna continue to be the case. Besides Josef coming back and hopefully having somewhere around a 20 goal season, he’s gonna be the talking point of the season. 

 

5: Overall pretty happy with the performance and a draw is probably a fair result. Statistically it was split nearly dead even in terms of possession, shots, shots on target, and chances created. There are things we need to improve on. Corners continue to be a problem for us. They seemingly always have been despite the roster or the coach. We give away far too many free headers. The final pass/goal isn’t quite there. I’m not concerned about our finishing because that’s just going to get sharper and come with reps. Defensively, i think we’re seeing good things. We haven’t conceded a goal and we are not just sitting in a low block and bunkering. We’re getting forward, we are exposed at the back at times, but we recover well most of the time. It can’t be perfect all the time. The opposition is always going to have a couple chances but they’ve been limited and mostly snuffed out. 

 

Good to have fans. Can’t wait to be home next weekend. 

The one where our boat is not stuck

 

1: We started off the match on the front foot. We were lively and creating chances straight away but I feel like Ala lolled us to sleep a bit because after about the 15th minute they really came alive. Full credit to them too. They’re down 6 key starters due to COVID restrictions and they still acquitted themselves very well. Maybe it motivated them. This was not an easy match. I saw some score predictions on Twitter of a multi goal win for Atlanta tonight and I just didn’t think we were ever gonna run away with this thing, even with Ala’s roster issues. They’re still a top club in their league and anyone who plays for them is a talented professional capable of playing good football. It wasn’t like they were gonna not show up and get totally run over. 

 

2: Games like these, where you kind of have to grind out a win or a result can in some ways be even more important and impressive than the flashy wins where the goals are just flowing like the suez canal with coherent boat captains. We were not in sync tonight in going forward. There’s gonna be games where it’s just not clicking fully, but being able to find a way through anyhow is extremely important. We had to find a way through in the last match too. It was different circumstances sure, but the mentality is the same. You gotta be like life in Jurassic park and find a a way. We did. 

 

3: I know our defensive numbers looked good and Ala only had one real shot on goal but I still found myself nervous at times especially on the left with Bello. He had his hands full all night and he just seemed to get beat a number of times. Still, he had like 4 tackles on the night and ultimately nothing he was maybe a step behind on lead to anything meaningful. Fortunately we’ve also got Walkes on the left and he has been absolutely outstanding. He had a 100% passing completion rate. #NotATypo. 82/82 is ridiculous. He has and continues to make the case for himself. His time across the pond has served him well.

 

4: #ThatsMyBarquito. Barco out there DOIN WORK. You can just tell by his effort and output how much this year means to him. He knows what’s riding on it and he’s really showing up so far. He’s dynamic on and off the ball, he’s been involved in both goals and plenty of chances created. In short, little boat is steaming along. 

 

5: Damn it’s good to see and hear fans again. I got a little emotional as I was listening to and watching the game as I could on set. I know it was limited capacity but you could hear all the chants loud and clear. When soccer left us last year it left a massive void. I didn’t realize just how much of my life revolves around the beautiful game until it was gone. I know it’s like Jürgen Klopp said “Football is the most important least important thing” but damn it’s good to have it back and with fans because without fans, the game is nothing. Football for me has never been about the actual game but about the friends you make and the memories you create together. That’s the beauty of the game for me. So To making memories through football. Long may it continue. Cheers. 

The one where we are living Rocco's goal saving life

1: Pretty pleased with our overall shape especially defensively. Apart from Guzan having to come off his line in the 33rd and then channeling his inner LGP and coming off in the 42nd , I didn’t feel too nervous when Ala got forward. Yes the 2nd half was more of a scramble at times but that’s to be expected when we’re down a man and the opposition is throwing everything forward. Sosa and Walkes were very good. Sosa’s performance in particular makes me feel better about our cover on CB. He can also be pretty tidy and clever on the ball. The whole back line seemed in sync most of the time, catching Ala offside a handful of times.

 

2: Games like this can reveal a lot about the character of the team. I though we showed grit and determination by not losing our heads after going down to ten. We still created chances and remained an attacking threat. This was a whole team performance. 

 

3: Coaching styles between Heinze and FDB are night and day. Players seemed to understand their roles better. I attribute that to training being more detailed with more specific instructions given. We’ve definitely heard that from the players during their various media availabilities. Heinze was engaged up on the touch line the whole game. He wasn’t quite as animated as the Ala coach, barking out orders non stop, but anytime the camera cut to Heinze you could see him analyzing and giving out very specific instructions and encouragement.  I love the Josef sub as well. Up a goal with ten men Heinze could have just saved him and decided to sit back, absorb the pressure and just try get out. It sends a clear message to the team and the fans. Let’s get it, let’s go! 

 

4: We got a little fortunate with the PK, but, take what is given. Barco is still not the most confident PK taker, but, take what is given. He made up for his defensive mistake that Guz in a bad spot. This is a make or break season for lil boat and it was a good start for him. Now he needs to stay healthy and stay consistent. 

 

5: I know it’s a school night, but have a night Rocco, have a night. Guzan best had the beers ready and on ice. It’s tough coming on as a sub especially in a position like keeper where you fully don’t expect to see the field. Especially when you’re just 19 years old. Especially when you’re signed to just a 4 day contract. The young man stepped up. He was brave when he needed to be and commanded his area well. Opportunities like that can really change/accelerate the trajectory of a career. I imagine this is not the last time we will Rocco in the first team this year and beyond. 

The one where we talkin bout practice

It's good to be back! We meander a bit on this one and talk about our hopes and aspirations for the club in 2021. 

The one where soccer matches, not elections, are stolen.

1: It’s a penalty. That’s it, that’s the whole take.

2: The first Columbus goal was expected. We got out right robbed and then we had a momentary switch off and they got something completely against the run of play. Actually both of their goals came against the run of play. The second we have to be more alert to.

3: In terms of the attack, this was the best game of the season. Really bright start from everyone. The ball from Barco to Moreno and also the ball from Bello to Gallagher were absolutely sublime. We looked threatening up until the BS call that took away the PK. We were moving the ball quickly and bossing the game. We had the crew on their heels. This is all the more disappointing for me because I actually like IsmaiI as a head ref. I think he’s one of the better refs in MLS. He and VAR got two calls dead wrong and they were game changing and season changing calls.

4: Moreno is building in confidence which is great to see. That PK was cool as you like. He was our best player tonight but truly just about everyone had their best game today. If Josef was here, we win this. Bad calls or not. This was certainly encouraging for things to come.

5: It’s going to be an extra long extra silly season. I expect a lot of moves and for me if I’m gonna go through a few names to keep and a few to move on from it goes a little something like this:

Keep:

Moreno

Lennon

Damm

Gallagher

Jahn

Robinson

Escobar

Bello

Wyke

Adams

Walkes

Wolff

Josef

Larry (if he doesn’t retire)

Move on:

Barco

Meza

Torres

Castillo

Luis Fernando

Castro

Remedi

Undecided:

Guz

Rossetto

Hyndman

Mulraney

Thank you Daryl Grove

1: Well, this is probably the best starting 11 (minus maybe Franco Escobar) that we are going to be able to field. We looked up for it. We had a good amount of possession and we’re creating the opportunities for opportunities but we still can’t get much in the way of SOG. It wasn’t until the 31st minute that we had a SOG and that came from a set piece. It was until about the 40th that we had something from the run of play. I can’t really explain why there’s such a lack of shots. We have ample talent on the field. It’s gotta be more productive. A handful of shots per game I don’t think is gonna be good enough to get us above the playoff line. 

 

2: Damm had plenty of time and space to work with tonight.  It felt very similar to how DC played us last time. They gave the wing a wide berth and i think in the first half we did a decent job of exploiting that space. But still that final ball is missing. 

 

3: Guzan has been up and down all season. I don’t have an issue with his shot stopping ability but he’s continuing to make very questionable decisions with his distribution. I’m not talking about miss hit balls, I’m talking conscious decisions he’s making where I find myself in front of my TV screaming “Why would you play it out there???” Also, I think he’s gotta save that first goal. 

 

4: Well, what are we gonna do when Gresselmania goes running wild on us brother?  That’s a really soft goal to give away at the end of the match and sadly that probably does it for the season. We now basically need to win out and get some help. The second goal, is a little more expected because you’re in full on desperation mode and taking every risk you can. 

 

5: I feel like a broken record here but it’s consistent with us. We look ok. Attack looks ok. The opportunities are there. We have no final product. If we only ask a small handful questions of a quality keeper like Bill Hamid, he’s gonna have answers. Yes our goal was beautiful but we can’t win enough games off rare moments of brilliance like that. Even if we had got the result today it’s still not good enough going forward. 

 

The one where we don't concede EARLY goals anymore

1: It feels like Atlanta United has beef with a lot of teams. We have history with Toronto, losing to them in our race win the shield in ‘18 and they beat us in the conference final in ‘19 and now took valuable points from us tonight. We have beef with Orlando because, well it’s OFYO. We got beef with Red Bull, obviously. We have a little bad blood with DC and it feels like something is starting up with Miami. Personally, I love it. Rivalries are fun and add more meaning to more games. 

 

2: Toronto dictated terms for large portions of the first half but I thought we played out of the pressure well enough, despite the chances they had. I would have liked to see us apply a little more pressure to prevent TFC from having the time and space to pass the ball into dangerous areas. 

 

3: A healthy and fit Juergen Damm is showing his versatility. He can play on the wing, he can come in central when required and he does a ton of defensive work. His speed is a tremendous asset that allows him to cover all of that ground with relative ease. He’s got great vision as well picking out quick passes and little give and go’s. Really looking forward to his partnership with Josef next year. 

 

4: Barco is back. This is a total mystery to me. I did not expect to see him get a 45 minute run out. I thought he would just get maybe 20 minutes or so. When a player has been out for over a month, usually they don’t get a full half upon returning. I truly have no idea what’s going on with the little boat but he did look up for it tonight. 

 

5: We got the attack going early in the second half. You expect that when you actually have good attacking pieces you can bring on from the bench. This is the first time in a long time where we actually had options and weren’t just zip tying and paper clipping an 11 together to go out and do something. So the attack looked good and this is probably, at least in the second half, the strongest attack that we are going to be able to field without another DP and Joseph. Yet, we still can’t get a goal. You can make the argument that all of these players still haven’t had enough time playing together, but there’s enough quality on that pitch for 45 minutes to go and find a goal. 

The one where we were so Damm close

1: Overall, really really poor for the first 70 minutes from just about everyone on the pitch save for Miles who was excellent. Touches were sloppy, passes were lazy or over hit.  We just looked tired and devoid of ideas.

 

2: MOTM is a tie between Damm and Miles. This looked like the Miles pre 2019 injury. Jurgen came on and injected some energy and life, rescued a point and “Damm” near stole a win.

 

3: Pretty concerned about Brooks Lennon. He looked to be in real pain. He probably should have been subbed out before the goal from Brek Shea. Also, when did Brek Shea start having the kind of finesse he’s been showcasing?? Especially against us. 

 

4: I’m a little surprised we didn’t see Moreno at all tonight. I guess Glassy just wanted to give him a full week to recover after his first competitive match in over half a year. If we don’t see him come on against Toronto I will be really concerned. 

 

5: I suppose we will take the draw but we really needed the full 3 points tonight. With Nashville’s result tonight and having a game in hand we HAVE to win against Cincinnati and DC and then we need a result against either Toronto, Orlando or Columbus. Take your pick but we need something out of at least one of those games. We do that, I think we make the playoffs. Barely. 

The one with new faces and theories

1: It felt like in the first half we were giving Red Bull a little taste of their own medicine. We pressed. We created turnovers and errant passes. We seemed to finally have the reply required for the Red Bull press. As the match progressed they played deeper and deeper. Not something we typically see from Red Bull. 

2: Hyndman must have been listening to the podcast because he looked much better today. His touches were better and he connected on his passes. Overall just a more complete and confident performance from him. You’re welcome. 

3: Well for still learning names and faces, Moreno had a better start than anyone we have brought on this year. He was aggressive and his heat map must have been the entire pitch. His first touch is terrific and you can see his vision and creativity. He’s gonna see passes that other players wouldn’t. He also drops back and defends. Bienvenido Marcelino! He’s a great fit for us and I see him quickly becoming a fan favorite. 

4: I call (Red) bullshit on that goal. I’m really tired of the officiating in this league and the implementation of VAR. Just go have a look! Just look at it and you’ll see Guz was being screened. If that ball has the slightest touch off a Red Bull defender, it’s offside for sure. You can still be offside without touching the ball. This will add fuel to the rivalry. We were the better team in the first half and I argue that we would have been the better team in the second. Goals change games and it changed how we played. It should have been called off. It’s crap. 

5: I don’t like peddling conspiracy theories but the Barco saga has reached the point where I think we have to talk about it. He hasn’t played for weeks. He hasn’t been training with the team regularly. We’ve been told directly by Carlos Bocanegra that it’s just a nagging injury and that he’s working hard on recovery and that he’s desperate to get back to playing. Based on the comments from Josef, Remedi, and Damm in the FIFA ratings video that was released today, I no longer believe that. Josef brought up Barco at the end of the video. He didn’t have to do that. Then, on the white boards Remedi wrote “See you” Josef wrote “Next” and Damm wrote “Bye”. They were laughing the whole time like there was something known on the inside that we on the outside don’t know about. IMO something is going on beyond injury.