VS. DATE / TIME: Sunday, March 17, 2019 7:15 PM EST (Union website says 7:15; MLS preview says 7:00) MATCH PREVIEW: MLS Match Preview VENUE: Mercedes Benz Stadium Atlanta, Georgia Tickets GAMETIME FORECAST: Clear (retractable roof stadium) Temp: 50° Feels Like: 45° TELEVISION BROADCAST: PHL17 (Local) COMCAST: Channel 807 HD, 7 SD Verizon FiOS: Channel 517 HD, 17 SD CURRENT MLS STANDINGS MLS INJURY REPORT MLS DISCIPLINE REPORT LAST MEETING: Saturday, July 7, 2018 Talen Energy Stadium / Chester, Pennsylvania Philadelphia Union 0 - 2 Atlanta United FC MLS Matchcenter
Atlanta looked pretty bad against a suspect Monterrey club last week. Problem is Monterrey still have forwards who can show a bit of skill and score, and the Union do not. Loss.
A team that thought Corben "Bonesaw" Bone was among their best 18 players managed to score a goal in Atlanta last night. That means we should be able to score at least once, right?
I guess the league execs who came up with the schedule thought, somehow, it was a smart move to have the Union's first three games be against teams in the CCL. No Fabian, no win. Even with Fabian, there hasn't been a win.
From the run of play? That seems to be asking alot this year. Besides Fabian is our lone scorer (on a PK) and he's out. Well I guess we could count Elliott too. What is really sad is our early schedule looked insurmountable. However, we got a weak and tired TFC (loss), a tired SKC who we actually competed with (loss) , and now a weakened ATL who gave up points to Cincy at home. Hopefully we can score and maybe grab a point. Looking ahead at the schedule, it does not look good. Where do we get points before May? We could be done by then. Sad.
0-3 start might look bad. But I’m going to reserve judgment until the summer transfer window once Curtin can bring in his guys.
MUST DRAW!!!! Imagine a 1-1 tepid slog of a game. We’d all nod and be pleased with a point and start plotting a chart that gets us to the promised land...6th. But the absolute angst and new-found frustration of that ATL fan base towards de Boring would be so delicious. It would be our finest win-that-was-a-draw in club history.
Both of these teams are in an early "must win situation". Unfortunately there's only one team in this situation I trust to actually win
As much as it appears things are set in stone (and I did vote loss), MLS is a stupid league where stupid things happen. A Union 4-0 win with a Jones hat trick is not out of the question.
LOSS - Another Hum Dinger coming right up! They need a moral point at least, 0/9 points to start the season isn't exactly great. Things could get ugly quick if Crew come in and win the following weekend, which looks like a real possibility right now.
6th? Shooting for the stars huh? Why go for 6th when 7th gets you an invitation to the dance with the prettiest girl?
* phone rings in deBoer's office * FdB: Hello? JC: Frank? Jim Curtin here. Just heard that you may be in a bit of a pinch there in Atlanta. FdB: Well, things could be better Jim. I'm afraid my seat is already pretty hot. JC: That's what I'm calling about. I wanted to let you know it will all be fine. You'll get your win this weekend...I guarantee it. FdB: You're throwing the match? JC: Sure! I'm a nice guy - just ask anyone in my Front Office. And, truth be told, it doesn't matter if I go 0-3 to start the season ... or, hell, even if I go 0-34 ... we all know my spot is secure. So, enjoy the win. * Click - phone hangs up * FdB: (to himself) - That Jim Curtin is a nice guy.