VS. DATE / TIME: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 8:00 PM EST MATCH PREVIEW: MLS Match Preview VENUE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta, Georgia Ticket Information GAMETIME FORECAST: Mostly clear Temp: 67° Feels Like: 64° (Note: Stadium has a retractable roof) TELEVISION BROADCAST: FS1 - Fox Sports 1 COMCAST: Channel 857 HD, 33 SD Verizon FiOS: Channel 583 HD, 83 SD TUDN COMCAST: Channel 586 HD Verizon FiOS: Channel 1539 HD, Channel 1524 SD CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BRACKET MLS INJURY REPORT LAST MEETING: Thursday, October 24, 2019 Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta United FC 2 - 0 Philadelphia Union MLS Matchcenter
Atlanta had a more difficult opponent to get by than the Union, but in all honesty I do not know which team is in better form given the relative quality of opponents and what they both did in MLS matchday 1. I just hope Josef Martinez does not suddenly find form against the Union. The Union will need better final passes played into the area if they want to win this tie.
I feel like there’s not a lot of evidence to judge these teams at this point in the season/CCL. So I’m going for a 0-0 tie on the road. Hope I’m pleasantly surprised.
Is Glenes out for Yellow Card accumulation for this one? I think 2 is the limit for CCL. If it is, leg 2 will be tough if Montero and Martinez get yellows in leg 1
Games seem more of a crap shoot in the beginning with players trying to gel and forwards trying to find their striker boots. In recent past we have pretty much known what lineup to expect from the Union but now it seems they are beginning to have more options and one would think (always an iffy proposition with the Union) that Curtin would do a little rotating of the squad with a non league game. Then again, the Union seem very wedded to their fitness statistics and the usual starters may have to go until their hearts explode regardless of age or who many minutes they have played recently.
.@TheChampions Quarterfinals kickin' off soon 😤📝👉https://t.co/IJdz4wewOT#DOOP | #ATLvPHI pic.twitter.com/uCxHweh9Oh— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) April 27, 2021
Get Burke off the field. The whole team has had bad touches all half, but Burke seems to be getting worse as the game goes on
Raise your hand if you saw this coming??? Especially after Saturday night's collapse? Kacper played great, as did Flach. Bedoya had his typical solid performance. Blake was spectacular. The Santos sub changed the game. His hold up play, and the runs he made really helped the Union maintain some possession, and create chances. Martinez' yellow card the only bad part.
The Big question all off-season was how to replace Aaronson. I think they found that in Flach, although that's not what they planned. His energy and ability to pressure the ball reminds me of Aaronson.
Bipolar team but enhanced by opponents style of play. Miami bunkered and we could not get thru and they made the most of their few opportunities on Union lapses. Atlanta plays a more attacking style and Blake...well, let's just enjoy that performance because you dont see that often (somewhat akin to Howard v Belgium). If Atlanta had scored in the first half it would have been over but Blake kept them in it and the second half was what the Union were built for. I think most teams will "miami" us until we show we can beat that, particularly if the Union are down a goal. Next week v Atlanta will be interesting with them needing to get 3 goals away and us with no wizard to shield the back 4.
With a three-goal cushion and no direct replacement for Martinez, I assume we will go 4-2-3-1 in the return leg?
I think pretty much all teams will press our back line and try to spread the midfield. I feel like our mids forget they can move left and right to find space sometimes. Also there is no shame in going over the top if its just not working beating the press on the ground. Esp with the horses we have up top.
I didn't really get to watch the game live as I was at work and only caught a glimpse here and there. I watched the replay this morning. What a satisfying game. I recall a few years ago how Curtin was quoted as saying that he wanted his team to "play like bastards" when closing out games. Well, we just witnessed a truly CONCACAF worthy, world class display of time wasting and getting in the heads of your opponents. Lead by virtuoso of the craft, Jose Martinez. Jim got his bastardly game. And it was beautiful. I can't wait for the return game next week!
I actually just finished watching the game on dvr this evening. I had to laugh at the number of goals that were scored. Seems so fitting for this team to be outplayed for long stretches, to struggle to even string passes together, and yet blow out the opponent where it counts on their pitch.
Aaronson could have his pocket picked or get pushed off the ball and he would pout. Flach seems to be better at keeping his head in the game. It will be interesting to see his contribution over the season.