Thank you gents. Functional enough to go to my office job so far but only up to light physical tasks. Doing what I can to get back into 90-minute-cheering shape in time for the season opener in TN!
I didn't get to watch the scrimmage vs the Swedes but my seat mate offered his notes. - Atlanta still struggling against pressure and physical challenges. Some of that might be communication issues with new faces but it will be crucial for Robinson to learn how to pilot possession in the back so that the team can transition the ball snoothly. - Barco looked good and was working better with the rest of the line. He and Pity appeared to be more on the same page compared to last year but still struggling with their own shots (as in they should take more.) - Lot of subs. Jahn and Adams saw time and put in decent shifts. Mulraney rated highly to some as did Lennon. When Atlanta can keep their width vs an opponent they should have ample speed to create and exploit space. Now they need someone to provide the offensive threat to complement Josef.
Just a PSA, the stream is still available at https://www.atlutd.com/live if you are still interested in watching.
Anyone have any other good links to try to see if Matheus Rossetto is a good signing? This is what I found so far: https://www.transfermarkt.us/matheus-rossetto/leistungsdaten/spieler/445000 https://www.whoscored.com/Players/319406/Show/Matheus-Rossetto 3 things that pop out at me 1.) He was never good enough to represent his national team at any age group 2.) According to the whoscored.com he played more as a defensive midfield but one of his weaknesses is tackling. Never seen a good defensive midfield that can’t tackle 3.) His market value peaked in May 23, 2018 at $3.3 million dollars and since then it has declined all the way to $900k. https://www.transfermarkt.us/matheus-rossetto/marktwertverlauf/spieler/445000
Regarding lack of national team exposure, this is Brazil we are talking about. I mean it is not as if Gressel was going to get a call up from Die Mannsschaft anytime. As I said in the other thread, apparently Rossetto can play a number of roles for 5 Stripes. I look forward to actually seeing him play.
You can’t even compare Gressel’s and Rosetto’s development. Gressel at 16 went to develop at a 6th tier German team’s academy, 6th division. Where as Rosseto’s at 12 was being developed in a youth system of a Top Division team in Brazil. Gressel never played in the top division in Germany, never. While Rosetto made his debut in the top division of his country at 19. So while Rosetto was 19 playing top division soccer in Brasil Gressel was playing at 20 in division 1 soccer. What do you think are the chances of any powerhouse soccer country selecting a 20 year old playing Division 1 soccer in the United States to represent their country are?
It was mentioned on the stream, and I agree, that it looked like the team was going to try to build from the back regardless of what happened. If there is a time to see what's working and not, in what circumstances, the pre-season is the time to do it. The Swedes were accommodating, and by the end of the game there were pressing deep in Atlanta's half. I'd be surprised if we see a team press as high as that again, since in an actual game I'd wager Atlanta would be willing to play an occasional deep ball to break a press that high. Regardless of how you or I think of the player moves so far, Atlanta has upgraded its pace on the wings, so a very high press could give some good counter opportunities. Pity has shown this pre-season a few good balls that could break the press. My real concern is how Atlanta does against a club that doesn't press, and instead just uses a bunker. United had an awful time breaking the bunker last year. Probably won't see that until the season starts. Perhaps against Nashville (though maybe Nashville doesn't want to play that defensive in their first ever home game).
Pretty cool podcast that previews ATLUTD vs motagua in depth. Carlos Bocanegra is a special guest on this podcast explaining the “Turnover”. https://anchor.fm/concacaf/episodes...akqpc/The_SCCL_Show_Podcast_Ep5_small-a1dgn7v