Atlanta United: 3 things we learned; 2 key players to watch

KENNESAW, GA FEBRUARY 28: Atlanta's Ezequiel Barco (8) looks to pass the ball during the Champions League match between CS Herediano and Atlanta United FC on February 28th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Jonathan Gonzalez (L) of Mexico’s Monterrey vies for the ball with Gonzalo Martinez of US United Atlanta FC during the first leg quarterfinal football match of the CONCACAF Champions League at the BBVA Bancomer stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 6, 2019. (Photo by Julio Cesar AGUILAR / AFP) (Photo credit should read JULIO CESAR AGUILAR/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Potential deterrent

Monterrey figured out how to neutralize Pity Martinez. It required fouling Pity nearly every time he got possession of the ball, but it worked. Now Atlanta has another problem to solve: how do you overcome the constant fouling and stoppage of play?

If Monterrey can foul constantly and get away with it, MLS teams may take notice. It is an extremely risky tactic, especially in CCL where yellow cards don’t reset until later in the tournament and two yellow cards over time result in a match suspension. However, MLS teams won’t deal with the same pressure of suspension. Teams may look at this match and try to foul Pity in their own way.

Of course, being able to foul Pity so easily and stop the run of play is a problem that stems from a larger issue. Atlanta, currently, cannot get anything going in the attacking third. There is no flow between Pity and Josef Martinez and Ezequiel Barco, the team’s main attacking three. When those three can’t connect with each other in attack, they are forced to move the ball individually. On Wednesday night, Pity tried to move the ball on his own and was constantly punished.

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