Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta October 24 – 8 PM ET ESPN2 MLSsoccer.com preview here. AJC.com United page here. ATLUTD.com preview here. (No Philly preview yet) Survive and advance. Saturday's affair wasn't pretty but that doesn't matter. Nor will it matter how Atlanta resolves its defensive injury woes this Thursday so long as they find a way to get the job done. Survive. Advance. Atlanta traveled to Philly late in the season as both clubs were chasing the top spot in the east, but on the back half of a grueling stretch of games a tired Stripes' side gave up 2 goals in the final 15 minutes to drop the context 3-1. That was considered Philly's seminal win of the year until they came from behind to beat RB new York on Sunday. (In what was, truly, a great match to watch.) What this means is that Philadelphia will come into the game full of confidence. They know they can beat Atlanta and they know they can stare down adversity. Philly's style has been essentially a form of Red Bull-lite, at times pressing but nowhere near as physical, but with an emphasis on building their attack from the wings. The latter element the result of having a tall and in-form striker in Kacper Przybylko. The difference for their side's success this season has been the midfield play which has allowed the defenders to lay deep without sacrificing the offensive attack. The improved form of Bedoya, Piccault, and Montero has yielded an attack that's scored more goals than Atlanta, albeit the Union have given up more goals, as well. It's truly a matter of energy for Philly who, much like DC United, could hang with anyone on their good days and likewise play down to their competition. If their passing accuracy and turnover margin can match their frenetic pace then they're a threatening side. If not... For Atlanta things are pretty known around here. By now the word has been shared about Parky's status and that Miles is not yet fit to return, so look for not only different names in the defense but likely a different formation, as well. This should compensate in stifling Philly but will it be enough to give the Stripes' attack what they need? Further, will that attack feature any new players, as well, or will FdB let it ride with his combination of Meram, Hyndman, Barco, Josef, and Gressel? This match will, I suspect, be less about strategy and more about will. Atlanta will try to run Philly down, hoping the Union will fatigue from the travel, shorter turn around, and coming off the emotional extra-time win. Atlanta will look to use the home crowd and keep the pressure up, seeing if they can pin the Union midfielders deeper in their own half. Do this and Atlanta should be okay. 2-1, Atlanta.
4-3-3 tonight, with Pogba and Ambrose in the back and Pity marked as a left side midfielder. No Hyndman or Meram tonight.
Pretty bold changes. I wasn't expecting to see Ambrose inserted into the starting line up and even a little surprised to see Pity return to the first 11. It will be interesting to see how things work out.
I’m worried about tonight’s match. I think it’ll be a good game, but I predict 3-1 to Philadelphia Union tonight. Philly scores first, Atlanta equalizes early in second half, and Philly pulls back ahead soon after. Atlanta continues to try to get a typing goal, which Philly breaks Atlanta’s heart in the dying moments of the game.
35' teams trade possession but no major threats. Bedoya picks up a yellow for a cynical foul from behind on Pity to stop a breakaway.
How tall is the dyslexic ref? Every time he lectures a player he is stands head and shoulders above them, the players look like peewee players next to him.
Defense is working hard but they're struggling to pick out assignments due to the new personnel, which in turn is hurting their ability to sustain midfield play.
HT: 1-0 Philly with the most possession through the last 20 mins but not many quality opportunities. Atlanta needs to pick up the intensity and focus when moving forward.
We came out gangbusters and then fell into complacency. Lets see if Frank can light the fire again at halftime.
At the beginning of the game the audio on the ESPN2 broadcast made it difficult to hear the announcers. The guys on in the sound truck got things straightened out and now after listening to Alejandro Moreno for 30 minutes I wish they hadn't. Anyone know which radio station is broadcasting the match? It is not on 92.9 THE GAME.
It was on 92.9 when I was driving. If they kicked over to other coverage a) that's weird, and b) try 94.1.
Atlanta playing essentially a "not to lose" style of possession when they have the ball, sitting deep when they don't have it. 58' and Philly misses a decent header