Five Takes On The Five Stripes

1: Little surprised by the aggression from the Union. They were trying to put this thing to bed from the word go. And then it didn’t stop. Even after our goal. They never really took up a more defensive posture. They expanded a ton of energy which in terms of the CONCACAF tournament won’t let mean much since the next match for the union is months away but they’re gonna be cooked for league play. 

 

2: The book is out on Atlanta United and it is apparently well read. Philadelphia did another great job, particularly in the first half, of stifling our attack and exploiting the spaces we were leaving. Don’t get it twisted tho, we do like this style of play. We do prefer this style of play. It does have to yield results. It will take more time than I think anyone is hoping and probably more than most are comfortable with. The same holds true with Josef. It’s there. He’s there. All that is required is minutes and reps. He knows this more than anyone as was evident by his acceptance of being taken off before the 80th minute. A fully fit and scoring Josef is angry as hell being taken. Off. Time. Just need time. 

 

3: We were, once again, happy with what we saw. Look, it’s fair to say that what we saw tonight is not exactly how we are going to play in every match. We’re down 3 goals, that immediately dictates how the team is going to play. Of course it’s going to look frenetic, of course there’s going be space in behind. We were going for it. The goal we conceded is a direct result of that. We were gassed after a crazy passage of play where we were knocking on the door so hard our knuckles were bleeding. 

 

4: Sosa is So So good. Hard to believe that was his first professional goal and professional  is exactly how best to describe it. Beautiful bending ball hit low and hard on the ground. The man was every where and involved in everything. At one point in the second half John Strong (play by play) said “Is that Sosa again?!”. Look, he’s gonna have a hell of a season and it’s going to be hell for him in some matches. Every team in the league will be gunning for him trying to shut him down because he’s going to be a key to our success. 

 

5: This was a good match and showed us more of why we want. We were down Barco, Lisandro, Rossetto, Chop and we still gave them hell. The boys gave us everything tonight and if that’s not good enough for you right now, this probably ain’t the club for you. GET IN. 

 

 

 

 

1: Cubo Torres should be in his prime and he just hasn’t produced. Currently he’s little more than a reserve player who can step in when we really don’t have anyone. A striker for the sake of having a striker. Honestly I was surprised to see him resigned. But, with Lisandro still out because of the death of his father, he was really the only option tonight. He didn’t get much service tonight but even when he does, it doesn’t come off. He skied another ball of the bottom of his shin in the box around the 12th minute. He doesn’t have to produce double digit goals. He doesn’t even have to find the net all that regularly but you have to, bare minimum, put shots on frame especially when they sit up nicely for you. 

 

2: The first half did not look good. The team looked and felt like how I look and feel which is to say tired and low on energy. We had no pressure on the ball and no control of the game. We could not find a way to build out of the back. All we had were long hopeful balls. Low percentage passes. We looked like we were trying to find the game and instead the game found us. Basically it didn’t look like anything we’ve seen so far. I did like Heinze’s reaction immediately after full time. He was out on the pitch consoling and encouraging the boys. This is a process and I do like that energy, we just didn’t have it on the pitch tonight. 

 

3: Lazy defending. 3 yellow cards from sloppy late tackles in the first half alone, ugh. Also, and I hate to quote Alexi but......set pieces, set pieces, set pieces. We have go to get better at restarts and corners. Balls are starting to find the net and when we aren’t playing well they’re an even bigger problem. 

 

4: For the first time Sosa was so-so. He was taken off the ball too many times. He couldn’t win the ball back. Successful tackle % was low. Some of that is due to the revs shutting him down. Word might be getting out on what we have in Sosa. Bruce Arena and the Revs were certainly alert and aware to why he brings. 

 

5: The boat has sprung a leak. Whatever happened to Barco hopefully is not serious. We’ve been “On a boat!” since the start of competition but we know this story all too well. A stretch of good games, followed by an injury. It appeared to happen off the ball too and non contact injuries can often be even more serious and long lasting. 

 

 

 

 

 

1: Hyndman with a great extended tackle in the 18th. Tremendous half volley strike in the 32nd.

Tremendous defensive work. Tremendous offensive work. Hyndman was everyone tonight and was surprisingly our most threatening player on the ball. He was tremendous. 

 

2: Damm was not having success with the dribble. I’d rather see him play the ball out in front and sprint after it to the end line and then either cross it in or cut in for the dribble towards goal as opposed to trying to penetrate the box towards center. 

 

3: This was the most dominant 1st half we have seen so far. Philly created nothing. Surprisingly possession was only 65%. I mean that’s good but it really felt like more. We absolutely controlled the game and dominated the ball. Any possession #nosteppy had was mostly in their own end. It was really only gifts from us that lead anything threatening from the union and those gifts were few and far between. They did not look at all ready to play a team that wanted the ball. If not for Andre Blake standing on his head, we’re up 2. Unfortunately Philly was able to absorb and survive and capitalized on their few chances. 

 

4: I did like the Cubo sub after going down. I liked Heinze going for it. It’s risky trying to push for that goal because a 2nd or 3rd away goal changes everything. But I think Heinze said in a previous presser that we don’t play to draw. Unfortunately tonight we were undone but I still agree with the decision and style of play even tho it did not go our way tonight. 

 

5: Momma said there’d be games like this. Of course I’m disappointed with the result. Of course it’s worse because it’s champions league and from within our own leaguein our own house. This was the first time we lost at the benz by 3. But I thought our response after each goal was good. We just couldn’t finish. It does happen. We found the spaces. We created the spaces. Sometimes it just doesn’t come off. I just don’t know what else we could have done to bag a goal. 

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. 

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. 

 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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.