1: I’m not trying to minimize what’s going on in the world right now but I feel really hopeful. If Dom Dwyer can score a goal in Atlanta United colors, anything is possible. I’m thrilled to have an additional attacking option up front THAT CAN SCORE. A very impressive start for DD coming off the bench way earlier than expected, playing on a position he’s not meant to and scoring. 

2: There’s a great Mark Twain Quote. 

There are three things a wise man fears. The storm at sea, a night with no moon, and the rage of a calm patient man. Ozzie Alonso is that man. He’s that intelligent controlling midfield presence we’ve been wanting, but he’ll also cut you if pressed. That aggression is something we have been missing over the last couple seasons. Grant it, I’d prefer the yellows to come a little later but I’m happy to see a little 😤 

3: Find you someone who loves as you as much as Gutman loves sliding into a challenge. I’d like to thank the NYRB for training him into a damn animal. You can tell he’s brought some that bull mentality with him and we are all the better for it. 

4: Anyone can score a hat trick on opening day but can you get an assist brace with one of your former sworn enemies? Josef looked great out there today. He was active in all the ways we’ve come to expect. He had a number of shots on goal and with a little more fine tuning, he’s gonna be putting them away with regularity. If the over under on goals for Josef is at 15, I’m taking the over. Easy.  

5: So Wiley were at it, let’s talk about how good our academy system is. It just keeps producing real talent and we will develop a record of consistently moving that talent on to big clubs around the world. Absolutely thrilled for Wiley. Campbell was also tremendous today and Tyler Wolff was excellent. That’s 3 academy players on the pitch tonight. All producing and providing. 

It’s extremely tragic that we lost one our academy prospects in a senseless drunk driving accident. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Christian Carrillo. He is gone far too soon and he will be missed.