Atlanta United hosted expansion club and Supporters’ Shield hopeful San Diego FC in the first of five matches to close out the season. Despite going down in the 32nd minute, Atlanta rallied to level things up through Miguel Almiron from the spot and held on to grab a point at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (It also does the Philadelphia Union a favor as they’re now three points ahead of SDFC in the Shield standings after a 1-0 win over the New England Revolution.)
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Some thoughts from me right after the whistle:
Juan Berrocal was brilliant
Ronny Deila opted to start Juan Berrocal instead of Enea Mihaj next to Stian Gregersen on Atlanta’s backline. It turned out to be a good decision as the Getafe loanee was rock solid, keeping San Diego’s attack at bay at several key moments — including in the second half.
We’ll see if Mihaj makes his way back into the XI against New England next week, but Berrocal gave a terrific account of himself against one of the best teams in the league.
Miguel Almiron was good, too
Miggy, at worst, could have had a brace. Maybe even a hat trick. But he persevered during what I thought was one of his better matches of the season. He eventually got his goal from the penalty spot after Jamal Thiare was clearly taken down in the box by SDFC keeper CJ dos Santos but was active in the attack all afternoon. It wasn’t vintage Miggy, but a fine outing nonetheless.
The overall response was fantastic
This could have very well been a pick-your-scoreline match for San Diego who, with potential MVP Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano leading the attack, are — on paper — miles better than what Atlanta has been showing all season long. And, as you might expect, Dreyer got his goal after Lozano dispossessed Steven Alzate near the box and served it up to his teammate.
Credit to Atlanta, though, for keeping its nerve, especially with its playoff hopes officially dashed with its loss to the Columbus Crew a week prior. The big question was always going to be how it turned up after allowing five first-half goals to a Crew side that’s much less talented than SDFC. By all accounts, tonight wasn’t perfect, but it was miles better than what we saw against Columbus.
Let us know what you thought about the match in the comments.
I missed the whole thing, was working all day. Is it worth the rewatch?
Just watching the highlight should be fine. Though Atlanta ran a really narrow 4-4-2 defensively and it looked very effective in shutting down San Diego mostly. Hibbert made some really good saves
I NEVER, EVER want to see Muyumba on the pitch for this team again. He’s incapable of progressing ball forward and adds nothing of value.
Hibbert is our new no. 1 keeper
Thiare…needs to finish.
L L showed me nothing.
Saba can’t finish either.
Generally solid on defense today.
Miggy should be our #10 without question. Did Miranchuk play? He was totally absent; he should not be a DP. THAT IS A WASTED SLOT. So, playing home and we let the visitors control the game? We need a true finisher…