Match Day 22 - TFC @ Atlanta - Saturday August 4 4pm - Sometimes a Mystery

[OgtheDim]

Any excuse to play Janelle Monae & a bit of female empowerment.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uovntV3ZMDc


(If you must know why this song)


I don't care what I look like but I feel good
Better than amazing, and better than I could

I love the self empowerment & embrace of the "I'm this" that this video & song promotes. We are going to go down to Atlanta, against that team, in front of all those fans, and say "I like that". After months of looking not like ourselves, its good to be able to say that, confidently.

We may lose - heck we could EASILY lose this one big.

BUT....we are this....we like that.

**************


Have at It People

[benito]

This is a big match. A win in Atlanta would be the turning point of the season.

[wopchop]

This is a big match. A win in Atlanta would be the turning point of the season.
I hope the team is hungry and shows that old fire.

A win in this game would be huge for morale.

[Yohan]

Josef Martinez is unplayable right now. 24 goals so far. Next on the Golden Boot race is BWP with 14. And Martinez has missed quite a few easy chances.

Stop Martinez and Almiron will be the key. It'll be a tough game, but a result away at Atlanta will show that TFC train is back on track.

[ensco]

Atlanta last year is where one of the little things happened, that you forget in the fullness of time, but it was maybe a big part of TFC winning the Cup last year.

Last game of the season. We tied it late, thanks to maybe the sweetest Seba FK of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02gtV20091Y

Which knocked Atlanta out of second place, and into a knockout game against Columbus.

[TFC1154ever]

I have this one written down as a loss, which is fine. We are still missing Moor, which will allow Martínez to pick on Zavaleta. Auro playing some part might help in this one. If we can run out of there with a draw, I will be estatic. This has the over written all over it.

[Still Kicking]

I have this one written down as a loss, which is fine. We are still missing Moor, which will allow Martínez to pick on Zavaleta. Auro playing some part might help in this one. If we can run out of there with a draw, I will be estatic. This has the over written all over it.

I have my fingers crossed for starting Mavinga and van der Wiel as a central pairing, Morrow to the left and a healthy returning Auro Jr to the right?
I have not watched Atlanta this year, am I off base to say that their attack is often on the ground, so the height and heft of a Zavaletta or a Hagglund can be saved for another game?

[TFC1154ever]

I have my fingers crossed for starting Mavinga and van der Wiel as a central pairing, Morrow to the left and a healthy returning Auro Jr to the right?
I have not watched Atlanta this year, am I off base to say that their attack is often on the ground, so the height and heft of a Zavaletta or a Hagglund can be saved for another game?

They move quick with the ball, yes mostly on the ground. They press pretty high up the pitch as well. They don’t really have any tall mids or Fowards outside of nagbe really. The thing I will say about Auro, is that as much as I love him going forward, he’s a pretty bad defender, especially on when defending in the air. I personally think he’s more of a winger then wing back or full back

[TFC1986]

I have this one written down as a loss, which is fine. We are still missing Moor, which will allow Martínez to pick on Zavaleta. Auro playing some part might help in this one. If we can run out of there with a draw, I will be estatic. This has the over written all over it.

Tfc wins 2-1. Bradley scores at least one goal for us

[OgtheDim]

They are going to boo Bradley & Altidore all game long - that's useful for us.

[TFC1154ever]

Tfc wins 2-1. Bradley scores at least one goal for us

I hope you’re right. Bradley scoring would be bonus.

[ag futbol]

Between Vancouver mid week on the West Coast and Altlanta on the weekend in the south east, the trade off between V’s cup and the league never looked so clear.

I’d say we go for this one and send a somewhat B squad to Van for mid week. Have them blunker and force Van to break down a defensively set team. Play too open and you’re dealing with Davies and Reyna on the counter. Bunker and you force a tactical novice in Robinson to come up with a new idea to beat you. Given he hasn’t solved that problem yet in all his years as coach i’d feel pretty safe. This is the guy who was playing a generational talent at LB only a few months ago. Go all-in on the return leg.

[ensco]

I was actually hoping that Fontas story is about us, and that he could somehow get here in time for this game. We need some bigtime backline help the next four games.

Seems like I am dreaming.

[James17930]

Between Vancouver mid week on the West Coast and Altlanta on the weekend in the south east, the trade off between V’s cup and the league never looked so clear.

I’d say we go for this one and send a somewhat B squad to Van for mid week. Have them blunker and force Van to break down a defensively set team. Play too open and you’re dealing with Davies and Reyna on the counter. Bunker and you force a tactical novice in Robinson to come up with a new idea to beat you. Given he hasn’t solved that problem yet in all his years as coach i’d feel pretty safe. This is the guy who was playing a generational talent at LB only a few months ago. Go all-in on the return leg.

This is an interesting thought ... it certainly wouldn't be what Vancouver is expecting, and could trip them up. Only danger is that bunkering for 90 mins is always pretty dangerous - gives them so much time to find a way through.

Especially the way Davies is on fire right now - he could very well waltz through our whole team and score by himself.

[OgtheDim]

Never Forget


https://i.imgur.com/ZVxCD7a.png

https://i.imgur.com/fLjUYFx.jpg

[Blkndkr]

This was interesting: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl1uukLHvl1/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=k8ip9ue2jgjy

[wopchop]

This was interesting: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl1uukLHvl1/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=k8ip9ue2jgjy
Toronto vs Everybody.

[OgtheDim]

Atlanta fans still ticked at this.

02gtV20091Y

[ensco]

Atlanta fans still ticked at this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02gtV20091Y

Or this

U9pCrFxwjeo

[pfk]

Or this

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U9pCrFxwjeo

Oh man, great memories about that series. I was at the Skydome when they played Game 6 on the Jumbotron. When Timlin threw the ball to Carter at first, that place went nuts and we all rushed the field. I would say the level of noise was only matched when Jozy scored in the MLS finals.

It was extra fun that the Jays beat the Braves as I remember the Braves being particularly arrogant that year.

[magmadragon]

I like

4mmlh

[Initial B]

Hmmm, I wonder how much Tata will play his starters on Wednesday. I could see him playing Giovinco the full 90 to make him nice and tired for Saturday. For some reason, I have a feeling that TFC are going to bushwack AU to make a statement that they're back.

[Gringo Starr]

The more hate Toronto gets the more I love my city. The more animosity directed our way the better victories get.

[Ultra & Proud]

For some reason, I have a feeling that TFC are going to bushwack AU to make a statement that they're back.

I have the same feeling plus I see them being focused this match. One of the issues in our funk was a collective lack of focus which seems to be clearing. This match always looked to be one they silently marked on the calendar and I expect us to be in our earlier Tigres/CA CCL form come Saturday.

[JuliquE]

The more hate Toronto gets the more I love my city. The more animosity directed our way the better victories get.
Amen!



I have the same feeling plus I see them being focused this match. One of the issues in our funk was a collective lack of focus which seems to be clearing. This match always looked to be one they silently marked on the calendar and I expect us to be in our earlier Tigres/CA CCL form come Saturday.
Wouldn't quite go that far, but certainly rounding into that form; I suspect our focus, as you say, will be similar to those series'.

[James17930]

Are they going to have the whole stadium opened up for this one, does anyone know?

[Redpunkfiddle]

Are they going to have the whole stadium opened up for this one, does anyone know?

Nope

https://www.atlutd.com/post/2018/01/10/atl-utd-open-mercedes-benz-stadium-300-level-four-matches-2018-season

[OgtheDim]

Are they going to have the whole stadium opened up for this one, does anyone know?

No it seems

[Auzzy]

Nope

https://www.atlutd.com/post/2018/01/10/atl-utd-open-mercedes-benz-stadium-300-level-four-matches-2018-season

LOL the comments under that article. Doesn't Atlanta have a social media team that looks for stuff like that?

[C.Ronaldo]

This was interesting: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl1uukLHvl1/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=k8ip9ue2jgjy

its Toronno...pfff

[TFC1986]

Torontoooooooooo

[molenshtain]

I would *Love* for us to beat ATL in their home. Mostly because I'm scared they are better than we were last season and want to make sure they don't get our record...

[Detroit_TFC]

They aren't invincible at home, so its possible to get a result but if they are going full gears, that's trouble.

[Graeme]

It would be nice to see something like this:

------------------------Bono-------------------------
---VDW------Hagglund---Mavinga------Morrow---
---Delgado----Bradley----Vazquez----Osorio---
-------------Altidore-------Giovinco------------

With addition of either Auro, Moor or Zavaleta in place of Delgado to switch us to 5-3-2, if necessary.

I like our chances, if we play up to the game.

[Ultra & Proud]

From ESPN:


Even when factoring in its struggles this season, Toronto FC's legacy is secure. It will always be the first squad to win the treble, the one that came a penalty-kick shootout from ending MLS' long CONCACAF Champions League drought.

Its time, however, has passed. This is Atlanta United's league now.

[OgtheDim]

MLS media have all the attention span of the EPL following media

= gnat's attention span.

A season is a marathon. League dominiation is also a marathon. Reporters are not as long term into it as supporters.

[molenshtain]

The Guardian's piece the other week about how crazy it was we were now so bad and what could be the mystery reason for this was... well it's about as thoughtful or informed as it sounds.

Both ESPN and The Guardian could do really good MLS coverage but they shit the bed with stunning regularity.

[ag futbol]

Dare I say it, seems a bit early to hand anybody the season.

[dow117]

If TFC make playoffs & that is looking better; I have no doubt they can win MLS Cup. Atlanta are going through a hot patch but that is all it is - a patch. TFC has a more sustained quality. ESPN reporters are like bandwagon supporters & will hype anything new or temporary.

[PopePouri]

Atlanta fans still ticked at this.

02gtV20091Y

Seriously the free kick ever in MLS. The precision.

Also, love Delgado's fanboying.

[TFC1986]

Atlanta is really good though. From mid season last year, they just got in form and been dominating most games. But one or two key injuries and they'll be just as bad as our first half of the season we just went through

[James17930]

I can't believe I have to miss this game.

Fucking 4 am start times :(

[TFCwestcan]

On holiday, but I have decent WiFi, is it to early to ask about streams?

[Defoe]

Seriously the free kick ever in MLS. The precision.

Also, love Delgado's fanboying.

That is the most beautiful kick of Seba Giovinco's career. #2 is vs Tigres. But man... those fans; that stadium. They truly are like a top Europe club aren't they?


I can't believe I have to miss this game.

Fucking 4 am start times :(

Yeah. MLS still has some ugly games; but when these two teams play in Atlanta it is always the feel of a competitive European match.

If you removed Liverpool and Crystal Place from the EPL; Atlanta would be 6th in attendance and Toronto FC would be 14th.

[TFC1154ever]

Barco will not play against us today.

[OgtheDim]

Barco alleged back story

18 year old recently married player gets in a fight with a 19 year old teammate & says he slept with the 19 year old's gf. Suspension ensues.

Players are seriously ticked at Barco now to the point where they don't trust him.

[OgtheDim]

https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/1025818680419078144


Looks like they sent Hamilton & Akinola & Chapman out to Vancouver.

Strong lineup but that Atlanta counter is just going to eat Zavs alive. All I'm hoping for is for them to work hard &not to embarrass themselves like we did against NYCFC. Any points in this game are an unexpected bonus.

[Omar]

That lineup looks pretty good. My only concern is whether our midfield can really keep control against ATL's, but with Auro in there, we should finally have a right-sided threat to keep them stretched.

Their defence is quite weak. We need to take them on and test them. If we sit back, we need to push our midfield up on the counter else I can see them peg us back for a long period of time.

[James17930]

Who needs sleep?

Let's get a result!

[woolly]

Does anyone have a feed? Im stuck at the Edmonton airport and they just canceled my flight

[James17930]

Does anyone have a feed? Im stuck at the Edmonton airport and they just canceled my flight

http://sslsports.co/AtlantaUnitedvsTorontoFC-football.php

[MightyDM]

Who needs sleep?

Let's get a result!

Excellent! Welcome aboard!

[Amir.]

With Escobar out looks like Larentowicz starting at the back..he played almost all season in midfield..gotta test him

[Red CB Toronto]

https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/1025818680419078144


Looks like they sent Hamilton & Akinola & Chapman out to Vancouver.

Strong lineup but that Atlanta counter is just going to eat Zavs alive. All I'm hoping for is for them to work hard &not to embarrass themselves like we did against NYCFC. Any points in this game are an unexpected bonus.

or maybe with TFC2 for tonight?

[James17930]

Some bad passes on our part. Should we be trying shorter passes instead of trying to go over the top to Gio?

Gotta say, though, even though we're under pressure, we don't look pressured. We look calm and confident, just soaking it up and looking to regain and break out.

[OgtheDim]

Auro doesn't know where the back line is. Been happening all season.

[MightyDM]

Some bad passes on our part. Should we be trying shorter passes instead of trying to go over the top to Gio?

Gotta say, though, even though we're under pressure, we don't look pressured. We look calm and confident, just soaking it up and looking to regain and break out.

Agreed. Professional. Sloppy though, at times

[MightyDM]

Auro doesn't know where the back line is. Been happening all season.

Yes that was very poor. Played him onside.

[TFCwestcan]

http://sslsports.co/AtlantaUnitedvsTorontoFC-football.php

this does not work, any other feed/options. Thanks

[Tdot_LFC]

Bono is a beast

[MightyDM]

Bono!

[Graeme]

Surely that would have been offside?

[James17930]

Wow, Bono. Excellent.

[James17930]

this does not work, any other feed/options. Thanks

https://www.reddit.com/r/soccerstreams/comments/94kpeu/2000_gmt_atlanta_united_vs_toronto_fc/

This page has many options.

[benito]

Yessss!

[wopchop]

Yah baby! Lovely play there.

[Tdot_LFC]

Woo!
first shot on goal!
hope this a sign of our luck taking a turn for better. These points would be huge.

[Still Kicking]

Yesss!!!!!!
Atlanta owned the game, got a little sloppy though.
Wow Altidore to Auro Jr to Giovinco.....

Just takes a moment for quality to show....

[Detroit_TFC]

SEBA!!!!!

[ag futbol]

Lucky they didn’t convert a few there but hey, it’s generally been a good game plan and we’ve done what we needed to do.

Need to avoid getting to flat like we did on their major chances. And Auro needs to make sure he’s holding that line with everyone else

[OgtheDim]

They miss 2 sitters & we get one chance and are winning. :pbjtime:

[James17930]

I like how Jozy quietly waved Auro forward there to take the pass. Then great penetrating pass and great run by Gio.

So very good news – we're back. We are definitely our old selves again. I was worried it would take us at least a month to start to gel again once everyone came back from injury, but luckily we seem to be doing it right away.

Before the goal I was wondering if Vanney was planning to swap Auro for Delgado sometime in the 2nd half and play the 3-5-2 with vdW and Morrow very high up the wings, like in the 2nd half against CHI, but now maybe we don't need to. Though of course we can't just park it for the full half.

Maybe at this point it's more about adjusting to what ATL are going to do.

[Detroit_TFC]

Twellman interviewing Seba on ESPN. Seba completely fluent in English now.

[ag futbol]

“A lot of Atlanta’s goals come from inside the 18 on the season”

Water also wet

[Defoe]

Seba 1 chance, 1 goal.
Martinez 1 chance, 0 goals.

That is the difference so far

[ag futbol]

WTF is this bullshit.

Clearly off his glove and Martinez flops over. Caldwell is an idiot.

[Omar]

How is that a penalty? Bono got the ball! Since when does getting the ball act as an infringement?

[portu]

This league is a joke.

Remember this moment when we miss playoffs marginally.

[Kaz]

BS that is not a penalty.

[Still Kicking]

There is no way that is a call against Bono and Caldwell is talking crap....

[ag futbol]

If this league can’t see that as a clear and obvious error on replay, they might as well scrap VAR and fire their officials.

What a joke.

[jloome]

There is no way that is a call against Bono and Caldwell is talking crap....

Extraordinarily bad call. Wow. I mean, the guy got his glove cleanly to the ball first and then the striker barreled into him.

Fucking disgraceful.

Also, we can't buy a fucking call in this game. This ref is letting the big crowd get to him.

[WestStandGeoff]

Since when is getting the ball first a penalty?

[wopchop]

What a horseshit call. So Bono can't out stretch to touch the ball first and stop the attacker that is basically standing on top off him? Is the keeper just supposed to let forwards score now?

[OgtheDim]

Not a penalty.

Neutral pundits even mentioning that the amount of soft pens Atlanta gets at home has become annoying.

[James17930]

The Sky Sports commentator thought it was a penalty too, but I don't see it. Looked very weak. Martinez basically jumped right into Bono.

Regardless, we've got to regroup. We were dominating to start the half. We have to calm down and play.

[benito]

Tfc looks rattled since the pk call. Dig deep boys!

[stevep]

WTF is this bullshit.

Clearly off his glove and Martinez flops over. Caldwell is an idiot.

I go to every home game so I don't get to listen to Caldwell much. But I read red patch boys all the time and everybody can't stand Caldwell. now I can see why.
this league is a joke, the keeper made a save what is he supposed to do??

and that idiot Caldwell says nothing. now im done with Caldwell too. get rid of that guy

[Omar]

Good change, Vanney. Auro was starting to look a little fatigued there. Hopefully Delgado can offer more attacking support on the right.

Also, it's not only Caldwell that's blind. The Sky commentators are also seeing that as a penalty. There's some serious anti-Toronto/Atlanta bias going on in the media.

[Ultra & Proud]

Another terrible ref courtesy of PRO.

[Omar]

The team looks shaken at the moment. They need to get that call out of their heads. Leave it to the fans to rage about it.

[Omar]

TFC hasn't adjusted to the change of formation yet, but I can see what Vanney wanted. He wants us to push up and take control of the match, but the players look distracted out there.

[ag futbol]

Just when you wanted to say our defence was having an okay game...

[portu]

Who the fuck is tracking that run. Mavinga and Zavaleta at fault there. Atrocious.

[OgtheDim]

Zavs

[James17930]

That was too cute at the back there.

[Omar]

Just when you wanted to say our defence was having an okay game...
The team's given up. The early-season mentality has resurfaced. I sense a drubbing unless the players get their heads straightened up.

[jloome]

They need to wake the fuck up. This could get ugly unless we snap out of it.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

With how much is TFC's total salary more than Atlanta's? Some 30-40%?

Sorry but right now Atlanta looks one class over TFC.
Not because of the score, but because of the play, and how many clear cut chances Atlanta had.

I feel if that both teams would play both at 100% full strength 10 games, all in neutral locations, Atlanta would win 6, 2 would be draw, and TFC would win just 2.

A lesson for TFC's future how to construct a team.

[Omar]

There's way too much space between our players. There are no relief options for any of the players on the ball, and there's a lack of energy from all of them.

Vanney needs to get us back to a back 3. Bring in Telfer for Zavaleta and put Morrow at the LCB role.

[portu]

Tos ‘No Touch’ Ricketts into the match

[Omar]

What is that substitution? We need Vazquez' creativity! Ricketts is useless against deeper defensive lines, anyways.

[Still Kicking]

Vazquez taking a beating, Vazquez has knee issues, if Seba drops into the Vazquez space, it might might might work

[James17930]

Vazquez taking a beating, Vazquez has knee issues, if Seba drops into the Vazquez space, it might might might work

Yeah, and admittedly he hadn't done much in the game.

[benito]

Too easy for them that breakaway. Nice stop by bono.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Well this should be 5-1 by now.

[portu]

FREE HEADERS

I hope Vanney tears this team to shreds in the locker room post game

[Omar]

Telfer's coming on for Zavaleta. I don't see how that'll help. Seba's the only "playmaker" in the midfield, and he's been getting double/triple-teamed the whole match.

[ag futbol]

Watching Almiron wheel around 4-5 guys consistently proves he’s talented... but it also shows this team as a group is too slow.

Outside of Mavinga we have nobody in midfield or defence of above average pace. It’s too much for this group to handle against the top of the league at this stage.

[ag futbol]

You magnificent bastards.

Start the car!!

[Omar]

Get the ball and go back! Stop celebrating!

[Tdot_LFC]

Deserved equalizer

[portu]

Give Osorio that bag

[James17930]

Ah, if he could just poach one here it would be just desserts.

EDIT: Okay, my stream is like 2 mins behind.

[Detroit_TFC]

That was fantastic!

oh fuck, VAR

[Omar]

Of course VAR would come into play :rolleyes:

[ag futbol]

Of course VAR would come into play :rolleyes:
I was close to smashing my TV after hearing that

[Omar]

Why are we playing for a point? Atlanta are there for the taking!

[Still Kicking]

I think Atlanta has an overdose of arrogance , steady diet of press clipping methinks

[Omar]

Villareal needs to be sanctioned for this. He blows for full time 1 minute before the end, and then he gives Mavinga the red card for what?

EDIT: Oh, I see why... :facepalm:

[OgtheDim]

So Mavinga gone for 3 games then.

[wopchop]

What the hell just happened.

[Omar]

Atlanta United remind me of Manchester City with their favourable media coverage. Methinks they might be paying off the journalists in the U.S. and beyond for positive coverage.

[ag futbol]

Well that was a deserved red card but the one minute short of time is ridiculous.

Final score: TFC 2 - ATL 1 + refs 1 = 2

Notwithstanding I felt we were outplayed for large portions of the game.

Zavs at CB has become a farsical exercise ... like Crewvalle at RB a few seasons ago heading towards Adam Braz levels. A smouldering tire fire.

[jloome]

What the hell just happened.

I think it was a comment about race; Altidore and Telfer both looked kind of enraged as well.

Ah well, take the point. We got away with one today, although the fucking homer reffing didn't help.

[James17930]

What did Mavinga do? My stream cut out.

[Omar]

What the hell just happened.
The referee lost control of the match, simple as that. He saw that Mavinga and Almiron were exchanging words and decided to end the match there (1 minute before the minimum of 5​ minutes). He then sent off Mavinga after Mavinga slapped an ATL player.

[Omar]

I think it was a comment about race; Altidore and Telfer both looked kind of enraged as well.
It has to be. There's no other reason for both of them to react like they did. I hope they take this to the MLS and get ATL sanctioned.

[Detroit_TFC]

Oh Mavinga, that is just bad. He's going to get suspended for sure. Could be more than 3 games.

[Still Kicking]

Proud of Mavinga, TFC need more grit and spine. Too bad we will miss him for a game (assume August 12?)... but Atlanta needs to respect TFC far more than they do.... and that soft penalty call seemed to inspire Bono for the rest of the game.

[jloome]

The referee lost control of the match, simple as that. He saw that Mavinga and Almiron were exchanging words and decided to end the match there (1 minute before the minimum of 5​ minutes). He then sent off Mavinga after Mavinga slapped an ATL player.

That was atrociously officiated. He let Waaaaay too much go.

[James17930]

Well that was a deserved red card but the one minute short of time is ridiculous.

Final score: TFC 2 - ATL 1 + refs 1 = 2

Notwithstanding I felt we were comprehensively outplayed.

I wouldn't say comprehensively. It's true Atlanta were in control for the majority of the game, but we weren't too scrambly for most of it – just some of it. And we did do enough to get the two goals.

Poaching a road draw like that against the best team in the league is a great result.

Hopefully they can prove Mavinga was goaded and he only gets 1 game or something.

[wopchop]

The referee lost control of the match, simple as that. He saw that Mavinga and Almiron were exchanging words and decided to end the match there (1 minute before the minimum of 5​ minutes). He then sent off Mavinga after Mavinga slapped an ATL player.
Yeah, saw the slap.

Just want to know what caused that situation. Clearly Almiron said something or did something that I missed.

[Omar]

That was atrociously officiated. He let Waaaaay too much go.
I agree. Beyond a certain favoured call, he's been poor in managing the match. Why did the MLS decide to go with a referee who's never officiated either side this season?

[ag futbol]

I wouldn't say comprehensively. It's true Atlanta were in control for the majority of the game, but we weren't too scrambly for most of it – just some of it. And we did do enough to get the two goals.

Poaching a road draw like that against the best team in the league is a great result.

Hopefully they can prove Mavinga was goaded and he only gets 1 game or something.
Yeah I agree, comprehensively is too strong a word. I edited it after.

There are some real obvious continued points of weakness for this team. Think that’s my frustration.

[Omar]

There are some real obvious continued points of weakness for this team. Think that’s my frustration.
I would say that it's mainly from the midfield. Our midfield is thrown out of balance when we have Bradley, Osorio, and Vazquez together. Neither Osorio nor Vazquez are defensively adept, and Bradley is poor at anchoring the midfield. You can see how uncertain the defence looked whenever Almiron/Villalba received the ball in space in the midfield.

Delgado is crucial for us in this aspect as he fills up those spaces and supports Bradley. However, I can understand why Vanney would not want to move away from a back 3 given our defenders' + Bradley's individual weaknesses. I still think we need a proper midfield anchor to solve this problem. A good defensive midfield does a world of good for any defence, and we seriously need that.

[OgtheDim]

Atlanta had at least 3 "guy right in front of the net with only Bono to beat" moments.

We were lucky to only be down 1 when Martino decided to take his foot off the gas but not help out his backline. Great fightback - stolen point. Looking at the schedule, Mavinga out for 2 games would be OK - NY is enivitable & I'm not sure he would be traveling to San Jose.

[ag futbol]

Well that’s a problem certainly but it seems like every plan Zavaletta is running his hardest just to keep up with a guy jogging beside him.

[tfcfans]

This was their most difficult game on paper the rest of the season (along with @Portland), a Tie in this situation is massive (I told anyone who would listen that I would be ecstatic to get a Tie from this game) — sometimes you need to scramble to steal points the way other teams did against us earlier in the year (like the Chicago 2-2 game in April that felt like a loss to us)....we need to win almost all our home games (give or take one or two ties - 16-18 points from 7 home games), and get some road Wins/Ties (maybe 8-9 points from the 5 road games) to have a shot at the playoffs (47-50 points?!).

[wynne]

Idiotic by Mavinga, but insane that Perez is allowed to run at Mavinga from half to start a confrontation

[Kaz]

TFC has one more against Atlanta this season. The Ref influenced the game rather than calling it.

before this game 25 points were reasonably needed to make the playoffs That meant 7 wins 4 ties 1 loss or 8 wins 1 tie 4 loses would do the trick.

Now we need 24 points that is 7 wins 3 ties 1 loss or 8 wins 1 loss.

Against one of the strongest teams in the league. Losing Mavinga though may be the nail in the coffin. He and Morrow seem to have had a major impact on the defensive line. Both are really needed to keep things working. Jozy is a big help too. TFC avoided most of the mistakes that have cost them this year (the PK came technically with in 10 minutes of half but it was a bad call Bono got the ball and the fall was super staged) The Ref seemed to have a particular bias.. which is no surprise.

However.. 8 wins should be the focus right now.

[Omar]

Well that’s a problem certainly but it seems like every plan Zavaletta is running his hardest just to keep up with a guy jogging beside him.
Definitely, that's a problem in itself. We can't afford to play a high line with Zavaleta at the back. Hagglund's quicker, but even he's not quick enough for a high line. If we are to continue on like this, we'll either need to implement a high-pressing system (which Vanney isn't capable of), or get pacier defenders. This might be why he plays van der Wiel there as he does have the recovery pace that no one else has other than Mavinga.

[General Woolfe]

A point is better than nothing I guess, however given the opponent, venue, and the way the game unfolded,it feels more like a point gained rather than two dropped. I always felt throughout the game we were likely to get something on the counter despite the fact AU dominated for large spells. We have reason to complain about the penalty imho, as there can be no doubt Martinez threw himself. If the league wants to cut out all this flopping about by players then that’s the sort of call that should go for the defensive team. I thought Bono was absolutely heroic today. As for Mavinga I thought he tried to push the player and unfortunately caught him on the face. A red card sure, but it wasn’t a punch or a slap imo, and I hope the league takes that into account when deciding his punishment. We still have a fighting chance of a playoff spot but Vanney has to prioritize next week’s game against NY over the Canada cup tie in midweek.

[General Woolfe]

TFC has one more against Atlanta this season. The Ref influenced the game rather than calling it.

before this game 25 points were reasonably needed to make the playoffs That meant 7 wins 4 ties 1 loss or 8 wins 1 tie 4 loses would do the trick.

Now we need 24 points that is 7 wins 3 ties 1 loss or 8 wins 1 loss.

Against one of the strongest teams in the league. Losing Mavinga though may be the nail in the coffin. He and Morrow seem to have had a major impact on the defensive line. Both are really needed to keep things working. Jozy is a big help too. TFC avoided most of the mistakes that have cost them this year (the PK came technically with in 10 minutes of half but it was a bad call Bono got the ball and the fall was super staged) The Ref seemed to have a particular bias.. which is no surprise.

However.. 8 wins should be the focus right now.
I’m starting to think these two teams REALLY don’t like each other. Hopefully a bit of fiestyness will throw AU off their game.

No doubting Mavinga will be a loss, but IIRC I heard Moor was only a week or so away from a return

[michaeltfc91]

Oh Mavinga, that is just bad. He's going to get suspended for sure. Could be more than 3 games.

There is no way. Why would he be suspended more than a game for pushing someone in the face area. This is a professional sport isn't it, both sides heated after the game. VAR should be looking to revoke this if anything what a horrid performance this referee put on

[Lennon]

With Mavinga's red card, he better be in the starting lineup vs. Vancouver.

Looks like they're going to play their best 11 in the first leg because they're starting a bunch of bench players vs. NY right now.

[flambe]

I would not be surprised if jozy got a retroactive red too. He grabbed some guy by the throat just before the camera turned away to focus on the Mavinga incident. At least that’s what it looked like for the brief time it was on tv.

[Ultra & Proud]

That was a super mild 'choke'. He shouldn't have put his hand in that area but that's hardly a choke. Then again they called that penalty so who knows in this league.

[Initial B]

Why do I have a flashback to the Red Bulls in the playoffs? We might be looking at the start of a new rivalry in the east. Three games ending in 2-2? I'm imagining they're going to face each other in the playoffs.

[reggie]

gio may be out next sunday also.5 yellow cards now

[flambe]

I don’t disagree, but putting your hands on someone’s neck is very rarely taken lightly in any league.

[Red CB Toronto]

https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/1025818680419078144


Looks like they sent Hamilton & Akinola & Chapman out to Vancouver.

Strong lineup but that Atlanta counter is just going to eat Zavs alive. All I'm hoping for is for them to work hard &not to embarrass themselves like we did against NYCFC. Any points in this game are an unexpected bonus.

Jordan Hamilton played 31 minutes tonight for TFCII at Pittsburgh.

[Tunnelred]

gio may be out next sunday also.5 yellow cards now

The TSN broadcast said he’s one yellow card away from suspension after he picked up the one in the game.

[reggie]

The TSN broadcast said he’s one yellow card away from suspension after he picked up the one in the game.
thx.i didnt watch the the broadcast.but his stats show he has 5 yellow cards.
on a side note.stuff going around that amiron may have spit at mavinga.

[ag futbol]

FWIW


David Bailey
@DABailey62
·
28m
Replying to @TaylorTwellman
Body english gives it away. When slowed down and zoomed in, I believe I see the spittle fly from his lips. In the ECU at the end, watch the lips and then Mavinga's right shoulder. The spittle appears in the last two frozen frames.


https://t.co/F4mcYssmuk



Edit: oh ya, it’s there. Take the last 3 seconds of the clip and roll it back and forth. Almiron makes a spitting motion and you can (vaguely) see something on the corner of Mavinga’s shoulder. Then again it’s incredibly f’n grainy.

[Tunnelred]

Yeah, it does look like it, but if Martinez doesn’t get suspended for an obvious headbutt a few weeks back, I can’t see MLS doing much if this is the only footage they have unfortunately.

[notthesun]

Yeah, it does look like it, but if Martinez doesn’t get suspended for an obvious headbutt a few weeks back, I can’t see MLS doing much if this is the only footage they have unfortunately.

Unfortunately the problem with this line of thinking is that you're looking for consistency from MLS.

[Tunnelred]

Unfortunately the problem with this line of thinking is that you're looking for consistency from MLS.

Haha! Yeah, true. Late night nonsense from me!

[Auzzy]

Just wanted to mention that people are trying to zoom in to the possible spit from Youtube or MLS highlight videos. MLS should have much higher-quality (higher res) broadcast videos available, if they care to investigate this. Now if they do care, I have no idea. Doesn't seem like it, based on other calls & non-calls in favour of Atlanta, during this game & previous games.

[MightyDM]

Just wanted to mention it that people are trying to zoom in to the possible spit from Youtube or MLS highlight videos. MLS should have much higher-quality (higher res) broadcasts videos available, if they care to investigate this. Now if the do care, I have no idea. Doesn't seem like it, based on other calls & non-calls in favour of Atlanta, during this game & previous games.


For all all sorts of reasons, Atlanta are the chosen ones at the moment. They will get the benefit of the doubt on everything.

I hope we meet them in the eastern final. Tasty.

[James17930]

Just wanted to mention it that people are trying to zoom in to the possible spit from Youtube or MLS highlight videos. MLS should have much higher-quality (higher res) broadcasts videos available, if they care to investigate this. Now if the do care, I have no idea. Doesn't seem like it, based on other calls & non-calls in favour of Atlanta, during this game & previous games.

The only way they'll investigate is if TFC formally submit it though, right?

Anyone know if that's happened or will happen?

[Oldtimer]

The only way they'll investigate is if TFC formally submit it though, right?

Anyone know if that's happened or will happen?

You're probably thinking of a red card appeal.

For further sanctions based on tape, the committee does not need to have someone ask, they can decide that on their own.

[Joe Kool]

Just read the Atlanta coach's post game comments. Atlanta was the "far superior team" he says. Haha. Talking about how many points they should have had because they were the better team in this game and recent games where they dropped points. No extra points unfortunately for being the better team on the night. We should know. Happened to us enough times. Enjoy the spotlight for now buddy. You don't want to meet TFC in the playoffs. If that game went into OT I could have seen us winning that game.

[paul-collins]

Just read the Atlanta coach's post game comments. Atlanta was the "far superior team" he says. Haha. Talking about how many points they should have had because they were the better team in this game and recent games where they dropped points. No extra points unfortunately for being the better team on the night. We should know. Happened to us enough times. Enjoy the spotlight for now buddy. You don't want to meet TFC in the playoffs. If that game went into OT I could have seen us winning that game.
Best they could do, at home, against our squad who isn't even in full game shape yet, is a draw... We face them on Decision Day at home, should be a bloodbath.

[Nerepis]

I've just read through the game thread and noticed a few comments about the ref stopping the game at 4 minutes of extra time. I'm not sure which was correct but TSN put up 5 min but the graphic advertising boards around the pitch said 4 min.

[BritSOL]

I've just read through the game thread and noticed a few comments about the ref stopping the game at 4 minutes of extra time. I'm not sure which was correct but TSN put up 5 min but the graphic advertising boards around the pitch said 4 min.

The sky sports coverage showed 4 minutes

[MightyDM]

I've just read through the game thread and noticed a few comments about the ref stopping the game at 4 minutes of extra time. I'm not sure which was correct but TSN put up 5 min but the graphic advertising boards around the pitch said 4 min.

It was four. It ticked over from 3.... odd that he would end the game precisely one minute early.

[James17930]

You're probably thinking of a red card appeal.

For further sanctions based on tape, the committee does not need to have someone ask, they can decide that on their own.

So they just automatically review any sort of in-game incidents like that to look for stuff?

[Oldtimer]

So they just automatically review any sort of in-game incidents like that to look for stuff?

Yes, but it's a mystery how they choose what to review. You'll see them suspend or fine players from time to time.

[James17930]

Yes, but it's a mystery how they choose what to review. You'll see them suspend or fine players from time to time.

Based on the replay it definitely seems Almiron spit on him, so I certainly hope he gets punished.

[molenshtain]

Just getting back from my week in Atlanta. A couple notes/thoughts about the city and the game

- Atlanta is a wonderfully weird and beautiful city. It's completely Alien to anything in we have in Canada or the Northeast/midwest of the U.S.. I've never seen a city just straight up give the middle finger to the concept of urban planning. Highly, highly recommend for anyone else who's interested to take that trip in the future. It'll be well worth your time and money.

- It is somehow hotter here than it is there.

- Mercedez-Benz stadium and the surrounding area is truly world class. The building is massive and looking from the outside really is a world class piece of Architecture.

- It may be just that they're new to watching soccer live regularly or it may just be that their American and they don't get it, but the fans don't exactly understand when to cheer. They'll lose their shit for any ball that ends up in our end even if it ends up going nowhere. They don't really get the consistency of how games are reffed either - they lost their shit at EVERY call. The security staff also don't seem to understand the whole away travelling support thing. I tried to get in with my son from a section over and, despite that they'd blocked off five or six rows of for TFC fans of which there were only thirteen people in them, they still refused to let us come over because the "tickets were already bought by someone so you can't sit there". Yeah, the team bought them for US.

- Atlanta are not all that great, tbh. They're devestating on the counter With Almiron, Villalba and Martinez (who is genuinely the best CF in the league by a mile and should be playing in Europe next year) but outside of that they really don't have great movement of creativity when trying to break down a bunkering team. They only attack with 3-4 players at a time and if that doesn't work they just send it out to the wing for a cross and hope that works.

- They're an extremely bratty and entitled group of players. Parkhurst and a couple others were having absolute conniptions on the field (presumably off camera) because they weren't better than us. They looked scared and panicked. If you can keep Almiron checked and Martinez covered they have no idea what to do.

- The Mavinga red was boneheaded But Almiron spat on him and walked away like a coward. There was no reason for Gonzalo Perez to be all the way up there in Mavingas face at that point either. The ref is as much to blame for the whole situation as anyone. He was calling a lot for us in the first and then for some reason completely reversed that after half.

- As a former keeper there's no fucking way that's a penalty. Even worse is that they decided not to review it. What is the point of VAR as it currently is used if that's not review-able? PRO is the #1 thing the league needs to address in the immediate future. It's embarrassing and alters the course of the season.

Other than that, I think that performance really is the indicator that we're back to who we were last year. We're not just talented, but we're easily the best coached team in the league. We switched formation 3-4 times by my count and kept giving them different looks they just didn't know how to handle. I think the rest of the season is gonna be a lot of fun.

[DinamoTFC]

Thanks for the review. Glad u had a good time

[ag futbol]

“As a former keeper there's no fucking way that's a penalty. Even worse is that they decided not to review it. What is the point of VAR as it currently is used if that's not review-able? “

Supposedly, according to the telecast. They did review it and did not overturn it.

[James17930]

Unfortunately, it wasn't a 'clear and obvious error'. It was still feasible for the ref to give a penalty there, so they can't overturn it unless he goes and watches it again himself. So it just stood as a bad call.

[molenshtain]

“As a former keeper there's no fucking way that's a penalty. Even worse is that they decided not to review it. What is the point of VAR as it currently is used if that's not review-able? “

Supposedly, according to the telecast. They did review it and did not overturn it.

What I meant was the the ref didn't review it. From my understanding the guys in the box are supposed to tell the ref whether or not the call is disputable, and the ref has the job to go over and look at it again and make a decision on whether or not the call should stand. He didn't go to review it, which is what I found insane.

[James17930]

What I meant was the the ref didn't review it. From my understanding the guys in the box are supposed to tell the ref whether or not the call is disputable, and the ref has the job to go over and look at it again and make a decision on whether or not the call should stand. He didn't go to review it, which is what I found insane.

I think it's more like they tell him it's disputable, it could go either way, and then it's up to him if he goes to view it on not.

Most of the time when the ref goes to view it I'm pretty sure they've told him it's a pretty clear bad call and he should definitely look at it.

[molenshtain]

I think it's more like they tell him it's disputable, it could go either way, and then it's up to him if he goes to view it on not.

Most of the time when the ref goes to view it I'm pretty sure they've told him it's a pretty clear bad call and he should definitely look at it.

Could be. We're not privy to the whole set up so we can only really guess. I've seen refs go to the booth and come out and have the call one the play stand a few times, so I doubt it's just for clearly egregious calls. All I know is that the system isn't working as is. It worked perfectly well at the world cup but this league can't seem to get through a weekend of games without some massive VAR fuck up.

[MightyDM]

Could be. We're not privy to the whole set up so we can only really guess. I've seen refs go to the booth and come out and have the call one the play stand a few times, so I doubt it's just for clearly egregious calls. All I know is that the system isn't working as is. It worked perfectly well at the world cup but this league can't seem to get through a weekend of games without some massive VAR fuck up.

One problem is that it is not clear why the standard is for what they review: is it a clear and obvious error, or is it to be correct? It seems to be both at different times.

In this case, multiple angles of replays showed that the keeper saved the shot by getting a hand on the ball. That’s clearly not a penalty. You don’t even have to analyze wheteher martinez deliberately ran into him (which he clearly did, watch his left knee on the replay) which is the only place where there was any doubt.

Thats one one of the reasons Vanney was so angry. Mavinga likely the other.

[molenshtain]

One problem is that it is not clear why the standard is for what they review: is it a clear and obvious error, or is it to be correct? It seems to be both at different times.

In this case, multiple angles of replays showed that the keeper saved the shot by getting a hand on the ball. That’s clearly not a penalty. You don’t even have to analyze wheteher martinez deliberately ran into him (which he clearly did, watch his left knee on the replay) which is the only place where there was any doubt.

Thats one one of the reasons Vanney was so angry. Mavinga likely the other.

Yeah I think we're agreeing it's the inconsistency of what refs will review and what they won't. I don't know how it came across on TV but the ref actually took a longer time talking into his earpiece after our second goal to make sure it was onside than he did considering the penalty. It's just nonsensical. And it's not like importing a bunch of good refs while you better invest in your domestic training program would be all that expensive or difficult.

Vanney was pretty angry because him and Martino were getting into it a little bit during the second half. There was an off-the ball altercation between Vazquez and Remidi that was basically harmless but Martino and the ATL coaching staff lost their shit trying to get the refs attention.


My biggest takeway from that game is that Atlanta were really rattled by how good we were. Mavinga red aside, we kept our cool and played our game the way we wanted to. Atlanta couldn't deal with it and completely lost their composure. I think that bodes really well if we seem them again in the playoffs.

[paul-collins]

There must be something going on wrt Mavinga. Nothing yet posted on the Discipline page, which was last updated yesterday and includes Elis' red from Sunday.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/topic/discipline

[shwade]

There must be something going on wrt Mavinga. Nothing yet posted on the Discipline page, which was last updated yesterday and includes Elis' red from Sunday.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/topic/discipline

Does DisCo take racism claims as seriously as physical misbehaviour?
There were some rumblings that Altidore and Mavinga (maybe also Tefler) reacted at the same time to Almiron (?) Saying something.

[molenshtain]

Disco takes racism a lot more seriously than anything Physical. If that's what happened I think we would have heard whispers about it by now.

I think it was just Almiron spitting that set it off. ATL were extremely frustrated all game and this gave them an excuse to kick things off, so to speak.

[ensco]

Just getting back from my week in Atlanta. A couple notes/thoughts about the city and the game

- Atlanta is a wonderfully weird and beautiful city. It's completely Alien to anything in we have in Canada or the Northeast/midwest of the U.S.. I've never seen a city just straight up give the middle finger to the concept of urban planning. Highly, highly recommend for anyone else who's interested to take that trip in the future. It'll be well worth your time and money.

- It is somehow hotter here than it is there.

- Mercedez-Benz stadium and the surrounding area is truly world class. The building is massive and looking from the outside really is a world class piece of Architecture.

- It may be just that they're new to watching soccer live regularly or it may just be that their American and they don't get it, but the fans don't exactly understand when to cheer. They'll lose their shit for any ball that ends up in our end even if it ends up going nowhere. They don't really get the consistency of how games are reffed either - they lost their shit at EVERY call. The security staff also don't seem to understand the whole away travelling support thing. I tried to get in with my son from a section over and, despite that they'd blocked off five or six rows of for TFC fans of which there were only thirteen people in them, they still refused to let us come over because the "tickets were already bought by someone so you can't sit there". Yeah, the team bought them for US.

- Atlanta are not all that great, tbh. They're devestating on the counter With Almiron, Villalba and Martinez (who is genuinely the best CF in the league by a mile and should be playing in Europe next year) but outside of that they really don't have great movement of creativity when trying to break down a bunkering team. They only attack with 3-4 players at a time and if that doesn't work they just send it out to the wing for a cross and hope that works.

- They're an extremely bratty and entitled group of players. Parkhurst and a couple others were having absolute conniptions on the field (presumably off camera) because they weren't better than us. They looked scared and panicked. If you can keep Almiron checked and Martinez covered they have no idea what to do.

- The Mavinga red was boneheaded But Almiron spat on him and walked away like a coward. There was no reason for Gonzalo Perez to be all the way up there in Mavingas face at that point either. The ref is as much to blame for the whole situation as anyone. He was calling a lot for us in the first and then for some reason completely reversed that after half.

- As a former keeper there's no fucking way that's a penalty. Even worse is that they decided not to review it. What is the point of VAR as it currently is used if that's not review-able? PRO is the #1 thing the league needs to address in the immediate future. It's embarrassing and alters the course of the season.

Other than that, I think that performance really is the indicator that we're back to who we were last year. We're not just talented, but we're easily the best coached team in the league. We switched formation 3-4 times by my count and kept giving them different looks they just didn't know how to handle. I think the rest of the season is gonna be a lot of fun.

Thank you for posting this. Many interesting observations. Your observation about crowd dynamics is consistent with what i have seen at other US venues. BMO is light years ahead of other MLS stadiums I have been to, in terms of crowd understanding of basics and general soccer “IQ”. I think it’s a competitive advantage for us in recruiting players.

[Blkndkr]

Agree regarding the security staff in the away section. It was ridiculous. There were two older Atlanta fans sitting a few seats over from us in between tfc fans. That was seemingly okay, but you couldn’t sit with us!?!?

Other than that, the stadium was amazing and the “gulch” tailgate was good fun - very welcoming fans, chatted with a number of them and endured their disgusting shots of grain alcohol and wierd Asian liquors. :)


Just getting back from my week in Atlanta. A couple notes/thoughts about the city and the game

- Atlanta is a wonderfully weird and beautiful city. It's completely Alien to anything in we have in Canada or the Northeast/midwest of the U.S.. I've never seen a city just straight up give the middle finger to the concept of urban planning. Highly, highly recommend for anyone else who's interested to take that trip in the future. It'll be well worth your time and money.

- It is somehow hotter here than it is there.

- Mercedez-Benz stadium and the surrounding area is truly world class. The building is massive and looking from the outside really is a world class piece of Architecture.

- It may be just that they're new to watching soccer live regularly or it may just be that their American and they don't get it, but the fans don't exactly understand when to cheer. They'll lose their shit for any ball that ends up in our end even if it ends up going nowhere. They don't really get the consistency of how games are reffed either - they lost their shit at EVERY call. The security staff also don't seem to understand the whole away travelling support thing. I tried to get in with my son from a section over and, despite that they'd blocked off five or six rows of for TFC fans of which there were only thirteen people in them, they still refused to let us come over because the "tickets were already bought by someone so you can't sit there". Yeah, the team bought them for US.

- Atlanta are not all that great, tbh. They're devestating on the counter With Almiron, Villalba and Martinez (who is genuinely the best CF in the league by a mile and should be playing in Europe next year) but outside of that they really don't have great movement of creativity when trying to break down a bunkering team. They only attack with 3-4 players at a time and if that doesn't work they just send it out to the wing for a cross and hope that works.

- They're an extremely bratty and entitled group of players. Parkhurst and a couple others were having absolute conniptions on the field (presumably off camera) because they weren't better than us. They looked scared and panicked. If you can keep Almiron checked and Martinez covered they have no idea what to do.

- The Mavinga red was boneheaded But Almiron spat on him and walked away like a coward. There was no reason for Gonzalo Perez to be all the way up there in Mavingas face at that point either. The ref is as much to blame for the whole situation as anyone. He was calling a lot for us in the first and then for some reason completely reversed that after half.

- As a former keeper there's no fucking way that's a penalty. Even worse is that they decided not to review it. What is the point of VAR as it currently is used if that's not review-able? PRO is the #1 thing the league needs to address in the immediate future. It's embarrassing and alters the course of the season.

Other than that, I think that performance really is the indicator that we're back to who we were last year. We're not just talented, but we're easily the best coached team in the league. We switched formation 3-4 times by my count and kept giving them different looks they just didn't know how to handle. I think the rest of the season is gonna be a lot of fun.

[Oldtimer]

We're not just talented, but we're easily the best coached team in the league. We switched formation 3-4 times by my count and kept giving them different looks they just didn't know how to handle. I think the rest of the season is gonna be a lot of fun.

#VanneyOut? lol.

[OgtheDim]

After the news about Mavinga and what he indicated happened in Atlanta...I'm :taz:


This is what I wrote in the comments uner the MLS story on the suspension.


**************

Weird sort of team ethics you have down there in Atlanta.

Sure, justified in suspending a kid for making crude remarks in a fight.


But won't own up to a guy spitting on people?!?!?!

You can't tell me Atlanta players & management don't know EXACTLY what happened out there.

Crude reprehensible behaviour that fans in Atlanta should be calling out.

But....hey....no...lets be all happy clappy....our boys can never do anything wrong. They are all fine upstanding citizens.

You want to know what should have happened?

Team should have, right after that game, admitted what Almiron did.

Accepted the eventual multi game ban as a part of teaching a player that this can not be tolerated.

Moved on looking like you actually care about the welfare of the game as a whole.

But....no

Atlanta management & players have to rally around their player even though he did the one thing that consistently in this sport gets you treated with utter contempt.

Disgusting by Almiron

Cowardly by his teammatees

Hypocritical by Martino

Selfish by Atlanta management

Contemptible by Atlanta ownership