Again… And again… And again. Atlanta United have found themselves on the receiving end of yet, another red card. ANOTHER. RED. CARD. Leandro González Pirez did indeed foul his man inside the box, but awarding a red card for that type of foul was absolutely absurd. So that’s Carlos Carmona, Yamil Asad, and now González Pirez who have received red cards in the clubs’ six matches this season.
This match was atrocius from the start. If you’re a United fan you have to be reeling after today. AUFC is a young club, but one to be feared and respected. Their roster is heavy with young talent and the club has the money, confidence, and the fans behind them 100%. I can’t help but feel an aire of jealousy floating about. A sprinkle of bias and low quality officiating are ruining what should be routes for the lads. A similar foul to Yamil Asad’s “elbow” found the face of Kevin Kratz and nobody was even carded. The Montreal Impact got away with copious fouls, even one with studs showing (supposed to be automatic red) but it was brushed over and play resumed. Can’t help but feel the club is getting targeted to an extent.
There were a few bright spots to the match: Tottenham Hotspur loanee Anton Walkes and German international Kevin Kratz were able to see some precious minutes today, Kenwyne Jones scored his first goal with United (so I got to see my flip celebration from him), and the effort that was put forth as a team after the red card (Atlanta United played the entire second half down a man).
Anthony Jackson of the Montreal Impact spoiled Atlanta’s perfect defensive run in the second half by flicking home the game winner in stoppage time. It initially looked offside but after checking the replay myself, sadly, he was indeed onside (one of the few things the referee called right).
My man of the match is my guy Miggy. Miguel Almirón created space and chances while getting clocked left and right with no repercussions for the opposing side.
The Five Stripes will look to put the pieces back together before next week’s away trip to face Real Salt Lake. They’ll be without their height on the backline in Pirez but on the bright side, Asad will be available to return. Never a dull moment in MLS.
-Jon J.
Photo: X