A struggling Atlanta United made the trip back down to Mickey Mouse’s house in Orlando, trying to turn around a skid of the ages. It doesn’t need repeating, but I’ll do it anyway: this is Atlanta’s worst start to a season ever, and today did it no favors. The Five Stripes limped away from Inter & Co. Stadium after another 3-0 loss, with the only silver lining that their next game is at home. Here are the final whistle thoughts from Orlando.
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No bite
I’m just not seeing it. I totally understand that playing on the road in MLS blah blah blah. But this isn’t the first game this has happened. Whether it’s a tactical issue or a morale issue, Atlanta United just doesn’t look scary…in any way. There’s no sense of urgency, there are mistakes abound, and it genuinely looks like no one on the pitch knows what their teammates will be doing at any given time. This is legitimately not good at all.
Chances
Ronny Deila has mentioned that he would be concerned if there were no chances being created. It’s time to be concerned now. Atlanta United created not a whole lot of anything in 90 minutes against Orlando, forget the last couple of matches. It’s not fun, and to be fair to the players, I know they’re straight up not having a good time either, but they’re one half of the equation as to who can fix this. Saba was subbed off for Edwin Mosquera, which seemed odd considering how at least Saba seemed to be showing some heart. Miranchuk and Miggy both had stinkers, and admittedly no one really looked…great. Something has to change, and I wish I had answers.
Sadness
Queue up the sad music. Let us know down below what you thought of the match.

Sadly, we have become the cure to a scoring drought.
As a heads up Nashville SC scored 7 goals in the match yesterday (04/26/25) against Chicago and ended up winning 7-2.
Next game..
====LL====
Mosquera,miggy, saba
Fortune, slisz or Riley
Amador, williams, cobb, edwards
This team will compete..coach need to the mid to get the ball..and no one should have time in our 3rd..to build or shoot. And may want Cohen or hibbet..guzan is slow, and never trigger a counter..so we get stuck moving the ball in the back. Let the mids get the ball and faces forward..so we can build up not keep passing back. Way to many negative passes
Pathetic
I questioned myself if I would even come on the site today to respond to the feedback and I like how this first reaction post has literally no content. Why? Because there was nothing to write about. Nothing. That game was the equivalent of standing around waiting for a train next to tracks that have been abandoned for 50 years.
We used a similar starting 11, and shocker, we got nothing. Literal definition of insanity. The commentators said on numerous occasions they questioned why miggy was on the wing, why Mira wasn’t an 8, why we’re running two 6’s and no other midfield, why brooks wasn’t more up the field…they were constantly questioning everything about this team in the same way we supporters have been calling out and the only difference in all of it was Deila wants to eventually make that starting 11 work. Well it hasn’t, and likely won’t.
I’m honestly starting to wonder if there is an issue between the players and the coach, similar to the Heinze days where they would play like crap on purpose just to get him out and all of the sudden there they go, figuring out how to play together. I’m hopeful that’s what it is, because the talent is there but it just isn’t vibing and I can’t think this many veteran players are on the field not knowing how to play together. I can’t.
Thanks for coming and giving your thoughts lol, it wasn’t a fun article to write, even with its limited content. It’s tough to find much to say right now.
It is, because there isn’t much else to say. Your next “first reaction” post, assuming we lose, should just be one word…”Again?” and that’s it.
Stupid lineup.
Stupid decisions.
Stupid.
All of it.
My thoughts. Newcastle took the aggression out of Miggy. Our midfield is atrocious. Brooks Lennon is a bad joke. No movement or plan in thr final 3rd. Deila feels lost and out coached. Also, even our players that performed well last year have fallen off a cliff (Saba and Amador).
“We are back, BABY!”
Glad I paid more for this.
Went to the game…don’t adjust your sets…it was, in fact, hot liquid garbage.
just so much bad. i am having trouble coming up with even one redeeming part of tonite’s 90 minute embarrassment.
i said before the season started that we would be early May before we knew with we had with this team. well…we’re getting pretty damned close and it’s really not promising.
No one got hurt?
yeah…i guess that’s what it’s come to
Ah, the old preseason match sigh of relief, “no one got hurt”… guess that is the only silver lining.
Season is over, time to start selling tickets for the rest of the games. Maybe next year
Who is buying?
STH are allowed to sell games they don’t want back to the team this year. The second half of the season window opens after Nashville. I think it’s about to be Leagues Cup level of opt outs.
I am aware. But, you only get credit for next year. Not cash.
They didn’t think that benefit out too well did they? Another move driven by unearned confidence…
Some poor soul bought our 4 seats for Saturday…