Atlanta United welcomed New England Revolution to the Benz for an old-fashioned midweek fixture Wednesday, with Tata Martino fielding a heavily rotated lineup against a team that dropped 6 on Cincinnati a few weeks ago. Turns out, the rotated lineup – similar to the group that won against Chattanooga – would give a decent account of themselves once more…for about 65 minutes. Unfortunately, everything began to unravel and Atlanta once again showed its inability to put in a full 90 minute performance. Here are the final whistle thoughts from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
A GOAL! But then…
Hey, a goal is a goal. And to be fair, Atlanta United pushed New England hard in the first fifteen minutes but yet again – similar to the match vs D.C. United – had nothing to show for the effort. New England’s Alhassan Yusuf turned that around with a golazo that was entirely against the run of play, and VAR subsequently turned that back around with an admittedly controversial offside decision.
Atlanta, happy to be on the good side of some luck for once, took another 15 minutes to fully charge up before hitting the back of the net in a much different fashion. Pedro Amador, who seems to have found his 2024 left foot again, sent in a beautiful cross just in front of Matt Turner. Saba took a point blank shot into Turner, who spilled it, and Fafa Picault was there to clean up.
It was the first lead Atlanta United has had in MLS since they beat Philadelphia here at the Benz on March 14th, and despite the fledgling attendance at the stadium, fans got loud. It’s amazing how the fans will give this team everything they need, the team just has to pay them back.
They would then, unfortunately, not pay them back.
– Narrator
The Bankhead Boogie
It wasn’t the Peachtree Press, exactly, and I wouldn’t even say it qualified as a press. But New England initially struggled in possession against whatever it was Atlanta United was doing against their backline and midfield in the first half. However, Atlanta’s inability to execute their game plan for a full match, even if it was a janky version of a press, was what ultimately cost them points once more.
It’s so frustrating because Atlanta actually created some decent opportunities throughout the 90 minutes, but they were once more let down by what simply feels like a lack of heart and commitment. Did they deserve to win? Not really, but it’s mind numbing how they continue to let down the fans in every moment. It used to be that Atlanta United going up a goal was the death knell for opposition teams, now it’s simply a “challenge accepted” moment.
The boos at the final whistle reverberated off the walls of the empty stadium.
VAR
I just have to point out the obvious here. If VAR is taking three minutes to look at a potential infraction, it’s probably not necessary to wait on going to check the camera. It’s such an imbecilic break in the game. Don’t get me wrong, I love that Atlanta found a shred of luck after an absolute golazo, but if there was that much uncertainty, just tell the ref to go look.
There’s my refereeing soapbox for the day. Thank you for your time.
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Let us know down below what you thought of the match.
Saw tiny bit on TV between innings of Braves game. Don’t know what the announced attendance was, but I was surprised there were that many people in the stands (especially for mid-week). Maybe if literally no one showed up for a game, team executives would get the message.
I doubt team executives truly care how many people show up unless the true ticket sales drop. I am sure even if the seats are empty, but the ticket for those seats have been sold the team executives would not care at all that it was empty.
Right. But those empty seats aren’t buying hotdogs and beer and jersies and dippin dots. They still have to pay a lot of staff. Last weekend our bar had three beertenders and no line, each looking at you like a puppy at the pound when you walked up, hoping you would buy from them. And none of them were the usual bartenders we’ve had for seasons who I assume pulled the cord and moved on.
It is almost impossible to articulate how bad this organization has fucked up. This team should be like lafc or Miami or teams with ambition.
It’s controversial but I’ll say it again, this started with hiring that idiot Lagerway. His whole philosophy of being a mid-Tier team competing for a trophy every few years was bullshit. And firing Bocanegra. I know, y’all know so much, you could have done better. If take him back over any of the shit we’ve had since.
I think it is more an issue with our scouting department at this point then overall FO. Probably need to scrub out our scouting department for a fresh one.
Ha, downvotes! More, please! I take it as a badge of honor from the bocaout crowd. Yeah, the swing to European nobodies has been fantastic!
I don’t want Boca neck but I also didn’t want miggy or tata or, for the love of God, gressle or Josef. But if love to see more like that. Is take a Barco (Barco!) over almost anyone on this team.
I reversed one of your downvotes, I hope you don’t mind. I agree that Lagerway’s term was a complete bust. The numbers speak for themselves. I’ll always cringe when I remember “We’re back, baby!” Back in the dumpster maybe. And his philosophy, although pragmatic, was not inspirational. Boca was evidently the architect of Atlanta United’s demise, starting in 2019. He cannot be forgiven for that.