Atlanta United Vs Philadelphia Union: Winners and losers

Atlanta United Vs Philadelphia Union: Winners and losers – Five Stripes stumble again

By Chris Smith | Mar 18, 2019

ATLANTA, GA MARCH 10: Atlanta head coach Frank de Boer gestures from the sideline during the MLS match between FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United FC on March 10th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

6 of 6

ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: Gonzalo Martinez #10 of Atlanta United passes to a teammate during the second half of the game between Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Loser – Pity Martinez

Honestly, Pity Martinez is an unbelievable footballer. Technically gifted, agile and direct. However, the big problem is he’s trying too hard to show it.

Is it the pressure of filling Miguel Almiron’s shoes? Is it the record $17 million transfer fee weighing him down? We’re not quite sure but, once again, we saw Pity take on player after player, ignoring the obvious passing option and blaze ridiculously ambitious shots high over the crossbar.

In fact, the 25-year-old had more shots off target (3) than any player on the pitch on Sunday. The talent is there, but de Boer must find a way to reign it in and adapt it to his system.

MLS: Week 3 Power Rankings. dark. Next

There are brilliant players around Martinez, but the combination play isn’t quite there at this moment. Perhaps with time, it will come. But for now, Martinez’s production, if not potential, is concerning.

Home/Atlanta United