1: We started off the match on the front foot. We were lively and creating chances straight away but I feel like Ala lolled us to sleep a bit because after about the 15th minute they really came alive. Full credit to them too. They’re down 6 key starters due to COVID restrictions and they still acquitted themselves very well. Maybe it motivated them. This was not an easy match. I saw some score predictions on Twitter of a multi goal win for Atlanta tonight and I just didn’t think we were ever gonna run away with this thing, even with Ala’s roster issues. They’re still a top club in their league and anyone who plays for them is a talented professional capable of playing good football. It wasn’t like they were gonna not show up and get totally run over. 

2: Games like these, where you kind of have to grind out a win or a result can in some ways be even more important and impressive than the flashy wins where the goals are just flowing like the suez canal with coherent boat captains. We were not in sync tonight in going forward. There’s gonna be games where it’s just not clicking fully, but being able to find a way through anyhow is extremely important. We had to find a way through in the last match too. It was different circumstances sure, but the mentality is the same. You gotta be like life in Jurassic park and find a a way. We did. 

3: I know our defensive numbers looked good and Ala only had one real shot on goal but I still found myself nervous at times especially on the left with Bello. He had his hands full all night and he just seemed to get beat a number of times. Still, he had like 4 tackles on the night and ultimately nothing he was maybe a step behind on lead to anything meaningful. Fortunately we’ve also got Walkes on the left and he has been absolutely outstanding. He had a 100% passing completion rate. #NotATypo. 82/82 is ridiculous. He has and continues to make the case for himself. His time across the pond has served him well.

4: #ThatsMyBarquito. Barco out there DOIN WORK. You can just tell by his effort and output how much this year means to him. He knows what’s riding on it and he’s really showing up so far. He’s dynamic on and off the ball, he’s been involved in both goals and plenty of chances created. In short, little boat is steaming along. 

5: Damn it’s good to see and hear fans again. I got a little emotional as I was listening to and watching the game as I could on set. I know it was limited capacity but you could hear all the chants loud and clear. When soccer left us last year it left a massive void. I didn’t realize just how much of my life revolves around the beautiful game until it was gone. I know it’s like Jürgen Klopp said “Football is the most important least important thing” but damn it’s good to have it back and with fans because without fans, the game is nothing. Football for me has never been about the actual game but about the friends you make and the memories you create together. That’s the beauty of the game for me. So To making memories through football. Long may it continue. Cheers.