After the third loss in as many games against D.C. United, Atlanta is now a little up against it as they travel to Philadelphia. This isn't a must-win match, but it's definitely a match Atlanta needs to win to set the course straight. Montreal, Columbus and New York could drop points this weekend and 3 points on the road could see the Five Stripes above the red line again. Carlos Carmona is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, but the rest of the squad should be at full strength. Philadelphia Union Suspended: None Suspended next yellow card: Oguchi Onyewu, Alejandro Bedoya, Raymon Gaddis International duty: None Injury report: OUT: M Fabian Herbers (sports hernia); QUESTIONABLE: M Maurice Edu (left ankle/left tibia surgery recovery) Atlanta United FC Suspended: Carlos Carmona (Yellow card accumulation) Suspended next yellow card: Jeff Larentowicz International duty: None Injury report: OUT: GK Alec Kann (left quad); QUESTIONABLE: F Kenwyne Jones (knee inflammation), D Mark Bloom (lower back injury) So we need three points. One would be ok. How do we get it in Chester?
Glad we snuck away with a point. I'm proud of the guys and continuing to fight... something this team seems to do well is crush teams late. But we have got to be able to play more than just direct soccer. Personally, it's got to start with the back line.
I am hoping that the two week break was the cause of all this. We definitely lucked out of sync and not up to match speed. Unfortunately, we face another break this weekend. It's frustrating to watch this defense continue to give up stupid opportunities.
Sorry I didn't chime in throughout. Had a friend of the family marry-off their oldest this weekend. Saw the highlights and match reports. The good news is that the team recorded more than 2 shots on goal, because since 7/4 the offense has been really predictable and too easily checked. The return of Martinez is great but the team still needs to develop a proper Plan B. This deep into the season they should have a much better idea of how to attack defenses in multiple ways, but for now they're too reliant on Almiron and Asad breaking down the defense. Will watch the replay and offer more later. Time to hone the machine for the home stretch.