Atlanta United closed the book on their pre-World Cup home schedule with a 2-1 loss to the LA Galaxy. While they struck first in this one, they couldn’t see it out as Marco Reus’ arrival turned the match in favor of the hosts, with Gabriel Pec bagging a brace.
As a reminder, here’s the rating scale:
- 10 – world-class performance
- 9 – elite performance
- 6 – average
- 5 – slightly below average
- 3 – well below average
- 1 – poor in every level
Lucas Hoyos
I can’t put either goal on Hoyos. The first was a defensive miscue that left him hung out to dry. The other was just an unfortunate rebound that found Gabriel Pec at the right place and right time.
Staff rating: 6.5 | Community rating: 4.9
Elías Báez
Should have kept his run instead of breaking to the ball on Pec’s first goal. Disappointing showing from the left back. Was credited with an assist on Jay Fortune’s goal, so that bumps his score up a bit.
Staff rating: 5 | Community rating: 3.35
Stian Gregersen
Another steady performance from the Norwegian. Not 100% sure about some of the social media hate he’s received.
Staff rating: 6 | Community rating: 5.65
Juan Berrocal
Would have preferred to have seen Enea Mihaj instead of Berrocal. Neither has been particularly consistent, but Berrocal’s deficiencies seem to surface much more. He does get a bump up for the goal that was disallowed.
Staff rating: 5.75 | Community rating: 4.14
Tomás Jacob
Nice bounce-back performance for Jacob on the right side. Came up with a couple of key plays to hold the Galaxy at bay. Nearly had what would have been a stunning goal just past the hour mark.
Staff rating: 6 | Community rating: 5.4
Matías Galarza
Not Galarza’s best showing. Had a dreadful pass in the 51st minute that led to an LA chance. Just an off night for the Paraguayan.
Staff rating: 5.75 | Community rating: 5.35
Cooper Sanchez
Continues to be relentless for Atlanta United in the midfield. It’s fun watching the 18-year-old play.
Staff rating: 6.25 | Community rating: 6.55
Tristan Muyumba
Not as good as he was against CF Montréal, but a decent performance for Muyumba.
Staff rating: 5.75 | Community rating: 5.55
Alexey Miranchuk
No goal contributions for Miranchuk for this one. The big question continues to be how his role will look once Miguel Almiron returns to the lineup.
Staff rating: 6 | Community rating: 5.8
Saba Lobjanidze
Saba was definitely active, but there are still signs of that slow decision-making that lead to chances not coming off for him. Had an opportunity in the 47th minute inside the box but for some reason didn’t shoot. Was credited with an assist on Jay Fortune’s goal.
Staff rating: 6 | Community rating: 5.8
Emmanuel Latte Lath
It wasn’t terrible for Latte Lath. Still, your striker is being paid to score, and he hasn’t done it nearly enough during his time with Atlanta United.
Staff rating: 5 | Community rating: 3.45
Jay Fortune (60’ – Man of the Match)
What a brilliant individual effort from Fortune on his goal. He’s a player that can continue to thrive under the guidance of Tata Martino.
Staff rating: 7.5 | Community rating: 7.55
Luke Brennan (71’)
Didn’t receive too many touches during his time on the pitch. Needs plenty more playing time in order for him to continue to develop.
Staff rating: 6 | Community rating: 4.89
Cayman Togashi (71′)
Good to see Togashi back on the pitch. Like Brennan, he didn’t receive a ton of possession after entering the match.
Staff rating: 6 | Community rating: 4.79
Sergio Santos (83′)
Enea Mihaj (84′)
No rating. Limited involvement in the match.
Tata Martino
Disappointing to see Pedro Amador not play a part in this one. As mentioned above, I thought Mihaj should have gotten the start over Berrocal. Hopefully, Saturday’s match will feature a fully rotated side before throwing everything at the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal against Orlando City.
Staff rating: 5.75 | Community rating: 5.55
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Berrocal is a poor fit for when we are playing a high line. He just doesn’t have the pace required. Stian had a really good game. He doesn’t look like he’s fast, but he’s really good at chasing guys down and snuffing out attacks. Mihaj isn’t amazing, but seems to fit the style better than Berrocal. I do think Berrocal does have the edge over all of the CBs when it comes to making passes, but I’d prefer the better defensive options first.
Baez seemed to really tire out. I actually thought he was doing a decent job defending in the first half, but then was a step slower and making worse decisions. I had the same observation for Muyumba. He’s actually been decent of late and had a solid first half, but was sloppy and out of position at bad times in the second half.
My biggest knock on Tata in this match was not bringing on Amador for Baez. It looked like Baez was gassed, and he was losing the game. Then we found ourselves needing a goal. Seemed like the obvious move. No major issue with the other subs. Maybe Mihaj should’ve come on sooner.
Galarza wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t his usual impactful performance. He seemed to tire quickly in this one, and Fortune coming in for him was a great call. Fortune immediately looked like the fastest guy on the field and came in with ideas and scored a banger. Miranchuk put in good numbers with crosses and did well to connect things, but looked tired as well. Just not any good options left on the bench to sub him out.
The biggest issue (aside from shitty officiating) was that we expended a ton of energy with our pressing early and had nothing to show for it. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have pressed, quite the contrary. We did a fantastic job of it in the first half. It’s just tough when you throw everything you have at the tactic and come up with no goals. ELL just isn’t the guy we need at striker. He doesn’t add any danger in the attack and isn’t scoring goals. He did put in a ton of effort doing all the secondary stuff at a high level. He was running like hell to press, chase the ball down, and track back. But that doesn’t mean a ton if he’s not scoring.
Tata gets a huge knock in this one for me because for waiting waaaaaaaay too long to bring in Mihaj (84′). Gregersen and Berrocal were both sitting on yellows for the majority of the game (and Sanchez, your bully in front of them, also got one in the YC Oprah giveaway). If you’re trying to protect a lead, you shore up your defensive structure to see out the game – how was it not a priority to replace one of your CBs on a yellow earlier on, preferably the one who is arguably the worst of your 3 options? Maybe it changes the outcome, maybe it doesn’t. But still.