A Sunday showdown in the Benz that was truly put the “mid” in midday.
Atlanta United and Toronto FC, two teams desperately trying to claw their way into the playoffs, played to an uninspiring 0-0 draw. There wasn’t much real action to talk about, per se, but here’s our match recap if you’re into that sort of thing.
Now that you witnessed… that… give us your player ratings for the match using the form below or this link!
Brennan is a breath of fresh air every time he gets on the ball. I know he has a ways to go before he would be what you would NORMALLY consider starting quality, but in this shit show, he already is. He’s decisive. He isn’t afraid to challenge 1v1. If he sees a gap on the edge of the 18, he exploits it with a dribble.
Most importantly, back passing is Brennan’s last resort, not his first instinct. Compare this to Lennon – what little life we had on the right died as soon as he came on and within minutes, I counted at least 4 or 5 back passes immediately and when under very low pressure. Maybe he can’t take on a defender running down the line (which is its own problem), but geez man, it’s so predictable that it’s just a waste of time and energy to even go to the right flank. I’m not sure it even helps at this point to adjust to a formation that allows him to stay higher upfield.
Alzate is passing the eye test well. Probably the most competent-looking of the new guys (not that Mihaj has been bad, just seems like the upgrade is more noticeable). My concern is how long it is taking to get him up to fitness… I’m not in the locker room, so there could be a reason, but it’s taking several weeks to work him in and even last night, he didn’t come on until what, the 60′?
I do feel Alzate needs to be our Muyumba replacement. Whereas I could have easily forgotten Muyumba existed, Alzate was always trying to get on the ball and support the backline, the wingers/backs, and Slisz. He’s what we need in a midfield.
Brennan, I like his confidence but dude, get up there and take a strike. Get yourself into dangerous positions, expand on that confidence a bit more.
Miggy as a false 9? Na…..h, no.
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