PBP: Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, All Games

Salzburg already all over Atleti, in their trademark speed metal style. Already clipped the inside of the post early. Golden opportunity missed.

Of course a berth in the UCL knockout stages are on the line.

 

Another golden opportunity for Salzburg, but the guy just doesn't pull the trigger after the ball falls to him at pt blank range.

If Aaronson just takes or controls the shot better than a couple of their current attackers, he'd already be an upgrade. Though we know that can be an issue w/ him as well where he takes extra touches & isn't the most precise shooter.

 

Another scuffed shot in on goal, then Dominic forces an excellent save from Oblack. They're all over Atleti like last time, but nothing to show for it so far.

 

Dang, Atleti score against the run of play. Now Salzburg need at least 2 goals to the good. Have to win to advance.

 

Now Dominic misses at pt blank range. Can't put this on Jesse. The scoreline comes down to good finishing vs. bad.

 

Thus is the life of a feeder club. They offloaded Haaland, Hee-Chan, & Minamino w/out sufficiently replacing them. Could find more of a balance between being a seller & maintaining sufficient ready talent for themselves.

Pepi would be a good fit, if he breaks out for Dallas next season. Plays their breakneck style & he's finished at lower levels. Akinola may work now.

 

I listed Hee-Chan, & simply maintaining him may have been sufficient. He'd have been able to finish one of the chances today. Two Hee-Chans and they have a lead to protect. They inked Okafor, but he's not ready. Sufficient doesn't connote equality, rather adequacy.

 

The most impressive plays didn't end up in a goal. Slick back heel for the potential assist & dummy in the box when the pass was behind him.

Overall, he was decent, by Salzburg's standards. Very mistake-prone, but pressed very well to win it, & made some big plays.