With Atlanta United knocked out of the playoffs midweek, the best case scenario was playing spoiler to Toronto FC’s own playoff hopes and showing some signs of life. I’ll be the first to admit, though, it’s bittersweet to watch a team that’s struggled all season finally play semi-adept football in a glorified friendly. Regardless, the Five Stripes stepped onto their home pitch one final time this season and dropped three on our northern friends. The time for analysis is over, that ship sailed last Wednesday, but at least there are some positives to take into Decision Day. Here are the final whistle thoughts live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Cooper Sanchez
I have to give the young man his flowers, once again. There’s a reason every time we speak to Tata, he has nothing but praise for Cooper. He played a wonderful match tonight, showing poise, vision, and an eye for goal as he tallied his first for Atlanta United. A full offseason/preseason with the squad will certainly help him continue to grow and mature as a player, and in a season of darkness, he and a few others (Jay Fortune, Tomas Jacob) have been a shining light.
Continue to be the villain
I said it a few days ago, but this team needs a common identity in which to rally. And I don’t mean “playing fast-paced, attacking football” (though that’d be nice) or some tactical or philosophical concept that people think of when they look at Atlanta United. I mean, the squad needs to find what makes them tick. Right now, they have the chance to continue playing the villain, making teams and fanbases frustrated to have to deal with the Five Stripes. Back in the early days, every other MLS team and fan hated Atlanta, because the group out on the pitch week after week was a bunch of dudes who defaulted to winning, not “trying not to lose.” Teams would do everything possible to upset the balance that squad struck with each other, and those guys would simply laugh in their faces.
If coming together behind the idea of playing the heel is what finally gets the culture shifted at Atlanta United, so be it. It starts with winning matches at home. It continues with being absolutely irritating to play against, and they did both of those things tonight.
Let us know down below what you thought of the match!