comments? The red card really changed the course of the match, so hard to take too much from this, but the team looked great and the crowd looked great too. Because united are built for speed they didn't look like they were clicking on creating chances against the bunker, but Martinez is really crafty.
I disagree about the red, as it didn't seem like a clear breakaway to me. But I don't think that would've affected the final outcome, anyway. Just the score. Yes, Atlanta played a little more timid that you'd expect the rest of the first half. You could see Coach Martino talking through Almiron and Pirez as they adjusted strategy in seeing how the 10-man Fire line-up would take shape. I think they were trying to figure a way to leave three in the back but found themselves still susceptible to the break away, so they waited until the half, talked shop during the break, and then came out with more of the original game plan but with fewer runs down the right side. That being said Chicago looked better than last year, especially for a team down a man 15 mins in. The scoreline was flattering to Atlanta as the Fire grew tired chasing the game late. They should be a good 10-15 points better this season, I imagine. Gressel looked much stronger and I think he's finding a better niche between Carmona and Almiron as they get more time together. Looked comfortable chasing the play on either side of the field and did well to balance the attack based on wherever Miguel went. Glad to see Tito get on the score sheet, too.
ATL plays better stuff than any other team in this league and it really isn't close. Every other game I've seen is mostly a disjointed, bootball slugfest. But as I said in the PBP thread, ATL looks like a well taught Argentinian club.
I feel like this team can bring in so many new fans to MLS, they play really atractive football. Im not a huge MLS fan myself, but it try to watch games when i can and im always interested in the development of the league, but i find myself so atracted to this team, that im prob gonna watch every single game. Maybe im getting ahead of myelf but i just wanted to say congratulations on having an awesome team and crowd, with only three games played youve set a standard.
Thank you, kind sir. We're pleasantly surprised at how well they're playing, as well. At least, managing to look this good so quickly. This is the style of ball we (dare I say) typically see from our peers in LMX. Now I'm curious to see how well it translates into the slightly larger field and artificial turf at MBS.
well, the larger field should help the style of play, the turf? do you guys believe in the "high tech turf" ?
I do believe that Arthur Blank will buy the best turf available in the known universe. Will it be as good as real veggie grass? Um ...
This was my first time watching Atlanta. I have not been keeping up much with MLS. I did not even know until the start of the game that Atlanta had obtained the service of Tata Martino. Atlanta looked great. Their spacing and ball movement reminded my a lot of Argentina under Martino, just a bit slower and not quite as smooth, but still very attractive and effective. Atlanta has done a good job of getting good young South American talent. I wonder how much was signed before vs after Martino. I certainly look forward to seeing more of Atlanta.
Not really. The field was already natural. They took out the turf sidelines for pointy ball and had to demo the concrete underneath, and then laid down natural on top for United games. United is paying to have the concrete and new artificial put down for football after we are done, and also paying for an entire new natural grass field. Precision Turf did all that work and also the renovations when we're done as well as putting in the new surface at MBS.
I believe, after that first goal, the outcome was only a matter of time. The red - yes, I think it was a red - was BECAUSE Martinez was about through, and we've seen how deadly he can be one-on-one. He's through, he'll score that, and the CB certainly did tug him back. After that, I enjoyed watching ATL exhaust the ten-man Chicago squad, making them cover too much ground, never really touch the ball, shift and shift and shift. It was such lovely, deadly game management. Chicago were guaranteed to be exhausted by the second half, and sure enough, at the hour mark, they began to wilt and that's when the three goals came. I'm also amazed at how much ground Garza covers. I don't think anyone on that team covers as much ground.
Indeed, Garza was at his best for Atlanta so far this season. (Aiming to impress Coach Arena, perhaps?) Again, it helped in that though United stayed at 4 in the back the 10-men Fire allowed the outside backs greater opportunity to push forward. How many of those cross-field passes would find 2 Atlanta players wide open, both hugging the sideline?! But, yes, once that first goal went in you knew the home team was gonna press to ensure they sealed this deal. Coach said he wanted to go into the long swing of road games with momentum and confidence, so I'd say mission accomplished. Now we just have to pray no one gets injured on international duty.
Been very encouraged with the first few games. When the team was announced I was expecting a typical expansion team-like season, but it looks like these guys could do something special. If I have any concerns with the team right now, it's with the depth. We have no idea right now how good it is, especially on the back line. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. If the backups can hold their own, it could make for a hell of a season.
Depth wise we just picked up another attacking player - from Orlando? I don't know him though. Would love to see some more FBs because that will be crucial
Depth might be an issue on the back line. I am not familiar enough with the roster to really know, but it's where I suspect any needs would be.
Hard to judge this game because of the red. But we played well nonetheless. I did however see some gaps in defense from time to time that, if the pass had come, would have resulted in some pretty good opportunities for Chicago.
Thanks for this! Having watched a few other MLS matches this season, I tend to agree that AUFC ball is more attractive (and, as of right now, more effective, but we'll see) than the rest of the league. Martino's Liga experience has definitely guided us past the hoof/hopers, and I'm confident we can stay there.