Atlanta United: Analyzing their seven losses from the 2018 season
By Josh Bouland
October 28 @ Toronto FC
Just as Houston completely dismantled Atlanta, so too did Toronto. Prior to the match these two teams met three times previously. Each of those games ended in a 2-2 draw. Finally, with a 4-1 drubbing, Toronto broke the 2-2 spell and killed Atlanta’s capture of the Supporters Shield in the process.
How Toronto FC Won: Lucas Janson scored a goal in the 9th minute, setting the tone for what would be a blowout in Toronto’s favor. Just 12 minutes later, Marky Delgado scored a second goal for Toronto, and the Reds led Atlanta 2-0 at the half. After a late Josef Martinez penalty, Toronto poured on a third and fourth goal thanks to Delgado and Sebastian Giovinco, respectively. Toronto fought hard and shut down Atlanta consistently.
What went wrong: Atlanta looked flat from the moment the ball kicked off all the way until the final whistle blew. There was no sense of urgency and no sense of team on the pitch and the Five Stripes paid the price. Toronto looked determined to spoil Atlanta’s chances at a trophy and Atlanta looked unwilling to match Toronto’s intensity.
The bright spot: Josef Martinez converted a penalty, which turned out to be Atlanta’s lone score. That goal, Martinez’s 31st of the season, helped extend his record setting number of goals on the season. Nothing else from this game was a bright spot for Atlanta.
The takeaway: Atlanta blew a golden opportunity to capture its first trophy. Tata Martino, just days later, announced he would not be returning to the club for a third year. The assumption is that distractions stemming from rumors of Martino’s departure led to Atlanta’s collapse. The loss did propel Atlanta to their MLS Cup, but the missed opportunity for the Supporters Shield was disappointing nonetheless.