Atlanta United very nearly had to leave TQL Stadium empty-handed but managed a 2-2 draw thanks to a Cincinnati own goal at the end.
The loss leaves Atlanta with five points from five games and a 1-2-2 record.
Head Coach Ronny Deila had to make several adjustments to account for 10 players who were out representing their countries. Matt Edwards filled in for Stian Gregersen at center back while Will Reilly, making his first team debut, replaced Bartosz Slisz in midfield. Saba Lobjanidze moved over to the right side and Xande Silva took over the left wing.
The bench also featured three second team players who were unused substitutes: forward Rodrigo Neri, midfielder Cooper Sanchez and defender Nykolas Sessock.
As expected with a game where both sides were missing key players, things were a bit chaotic. Both teams created really good chances, but the scoreboard didn’t change until the second half. After a quick throw-in by Cayman Togashi, Lobjanidze sent in a cross that Emmanuel Latte Lath put away with a first-time finish for his fourth goal of the season.
Cincinnati equalized 20 minutes later after an Evander free kick was deflected and left Brad Guzan with no chance.
Things continued to go downhill for the Five Stripes as Cincinnati navigated through the chaos of Atlanta’s backline and capped it off with an Evander finish to take the lead. Within five minutes, the Five Stripes suddenly found the game turned upside down.
It was a scene that Atlanta United fans were all too familiar with: a decent start to the game followed by a total collapse. With the Five Stripes preparing to once again leave Ohio empty-handed, they were saved by Cincinnati’s Alvas Powell, who inadvertently poked a Lobjanidze cross into his own net to level the game in the 88th minute.
Atlanta was lucky to get a draw given the game state with 15 minutes left, but it absolutely could have won this game. The weak mentality when in the lead is a problem that has plagued this team for years – the team has forgotten how to see through and win games. That is the biggest challenge that Deila faces if he is going to lead this team to deliver on its lofty expectations this season.
The Five Stripes return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, March 29 to host Deila’s former team, New York City FC, in MLS Matchday 6. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm ET.
What did you think of the match? Let us know in the comments below.
Look forward to getting the first team back. Tough grind today for the point.
Miranchuk is setting a good pace to be a huge bust. Other than the shot off the wood work, what did he do? What does he ever do?
Unfortunately, not trying to defend his play, but today’s judgement is a bit unfair because Muyumba went down so he got sort of pushed into the double pivot position because Deila decided to sub on Cayman to replace Muyumba instead of Klich. Miranchuk also made a decent amount of passes that led to shots.
Yeah, I think he was playing pretty well until Muyumba went down, and then we had to play musical chairs to get a functional midfield out there. Will Reilly had a really nice debut game. Not sure what the outlook is for Muyumba but I’m guessing he’s out a least a couple weeks (hopefully nothing more serious). That’s a damn shame for Muyumba who looked a lot like his 2023 energetic self vs Miami and Cinci.
Kind of a weird game. I had such low expectations given the state of our roster going into the match that I’d have happily taken the point on Friday if that was offered. Then watching the game, it feels like we kind of wasted a chance to steal a win on the road. Edwards at CB was a disaster. It’s not really his fault he was out there in that role. We didn’t really have any other options, but he did little to hide the fact he was in over his head. In the end, we got a point down 8 senior club players, so no real damage. On to the next one. Time to start righting the ship, though.
I already voiced my opinion to Sam jones, but I will admit he was playing like a fire had been lit under his butt in the first half. He was showing up and playing more aggressive. 2nd half? Same old alexey. Disappeared. Did “assist” saba on that own goal.
I keep waiting for Miranchuk to have the same impact that Evander had at Portland and now at Cincinnati
Said it before, and will continue to say it…he’s not our 10. We have to start realizing it. Play him as an 8, miggy as a 10, and saba/xande on the wings. I don’t know, but the sooner we figure out he’s not anything more than a decent passer, the better. He’s not changing the game like Miggy can.
obviously, a lot of missed chances, but being able to “recover” and steal a point is fine for now. especially considering how short handed we were today
I was fully expecting to come back to town with no points from this one. Two ballls of the woodwork could have changed the match if we were to get a modicum of luck yet this season.
I’ll happily take the point and look forward to next week. LFG!