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Disappointing Saturday for Atlanta United, Champions League chase in England: Morning Espresso 4.14
Welcome in for another edition of the Morning Espresso from the SDH Network, brought to you by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta's premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse.
Atlanta United finished off a disappointing home stand with a 1-0 loss to New England on Saturday afternoon at the Benz. Atlanta was the better team on paper once again, but conceded a penalty and little else to the Revs. It was a frustrating day because Atlanta hit the crossbar, the post, and had two goals wiped away due to offside infractions.
As I said on the Full Time Report, not going to get into the judgment calls that can be justified by the referee crew. We can disagree, but they can be justified in their interpretations. My issue is the lack of control at times and the lack of yellow cards for persistent infringement, which could have changed things late in the match. New England committed 10 fouls between the 40th and 60th minutes, most of them in the middle third in transition moments or Atlanta build-up play. One yellow card was shown. 20 fouls on the day for the Revs and two yellow cards shown. For better matches in MLS, referees need to use yellow cards for persistent infringement (after warnings of course to try to change the behavior). No one wants to watch one team who isn't really interested in playing much kick the other team repeatedly with limited repercussions.
With that being said, Atlanta didn't convert on its chances again, made a defensive mistake again, and didn't take advantage of outplaying the opponent again. Mistakes by individuals have to be eliminated, production has to increase, and an emotional response is needed in games when they're getting away. The team is working hard, but sometimes there isn't that hard foul, or positive body language, or protecting teammates that can generate some momentum in the stands and on the field. It's something I hope to see grow in this group, a little bit of an edge and a little bit of nastiness when needed.
Brian White scored 4 times for Vancouver as they demolished Austin 5-1, even with a mouse running onto the field at BC Place. Columbus and Miami remain unbeaten ahead of their showdown in Cleveland on Saturday. Portland is unbeaten in 5 after their 4-2 win in Kansas City.
Atlanta United's U18's are off to an unbeaten start at the Generation adidas Cup in Florida, while the U16's need a win today to possibly reach the knockout round. Both teams play San Jose today in Bradenton.
Mo Salah broke the Premier League record for goal contributions in a season as Liverpool defeated West Ham 2-1. Newcastle, without Eddie Howe who is in the hospital with an unspecified illness, won 4-1 over Manchester United to solidify their Champions League chase. Fulham is on the road at Bournemouth today, a win would put them 4 points back from the Champions League spots.
Kylian Mbappe will be lucky to escape a long suspension after a horrific challenge that saw a red card in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Alaves.
Chelsea's women are still on course for a quadruple as they beat Liverpool to reach the FA Cup final. They'll face Manchester United, who were led by USWNT goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce's incredible double save against Manchester City.
Plenty more in the video and audio forms of the Espresso, check out the video on YouTube or the audio wherever you get your SDH podcasts.
More Espresso tomorrow on the SDH Network, presented by Oglethorpe University.
Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago