Another day another loss to Atlanta. Not only that, but it's a loss in a game where we were the better team for large portions. Atlanta knows how to play us though and they played their game-plan to perfection. All they had to do was hit us on the counter when we had men up the field and they would find enough space to get a goal or two. They tried to transition with pace all game and in the end that is how we ended up conceding. We almost gave up a second if it weren't for Martinez hitting the post when he really should'e scored.
All in all it was a disappointing result BUT a very encouraging performance. In the two games in the league this season against Atlanta, I can safely say we were the better team in both of them. In both games we created very good scoring opportunities and our failure to take those opportunities was our downfall. If we can find our feet in the attack in the next 4 or 5 games, there is nothing stopping us from making the playoffs.
The addition of Pereyra should help our attacking productivity and will allow Nani to flourish out on the wings. All we can hope for now for the next couple of match weeks is that our playoff opponents drop as many points as possible and we nick a few unlikely results.
Maybe a draw at home against LAFC and a win away against an out of form San Jose. After that run of games, we need as many points as possible from our remaining four matches. Those four are NE, HOU, FCC, CHI. A minimum of 10 points is required if we want to make the playoffs. Tonight's result hurt but it didn't ruin our season. We go again on Saturday.
Player Ratings
Rowe - 7/10
Smith - 7/10
Sane - 6/10
Jansson - 6/10
Miller - 6/10
Rosell - 6/10
Ascues - 6/10
Pereyra - 8/10 MOTM
Michel - 6/10
Akindele - 6/10
Nani - 7/10
Subs
Kljestan - 5/10
Dwyer - 5/10
Mueller - 5/10
Anyone reading this may be surprised as to why I chose to give Ascues a 6 after his rough game in front of goal. For me, it's a positive that he was making those late runs into the box as it opened up spaces for him and others and created chances. The lack of finishing comes from the fact that he has played at CB for his whole career before joining us. It was disappointing that he didn't finish the chances but pleasing that someone was making runs off the ball. For that reason he gets a 6 instead of being negatively viewed.
'Til next time, this has been Gavin Rushnell and #VamosOrlando.