1: Ok I dunno 😆. There’s a couple ways you could look at this match. One view says we gotta start closing out games confidently. It’s concerning how we shoot our selves in the foot at the end. It’s really unfortunate that it almost came from a player who’s been among the very best for this team. The other view is that we did manage to break that narrative and get a W when we clearly were nowhere near our best. Champions find ways to win and today with a little bit of grit and a little bit of luck which has been, with and against us this season, we found a way. 

2: The first goal will always be huge for us no matter how it comes. Today it was route 1. Chances came more from route 1 than then build up play or counter attacks. That’s honestly fine with me because it shows yet another way this team can produce and be dangerous when the “Atlanta United way” isn’t really working like it wasn’t today. 

3: I think we badly need Ibarra starting in the midfield. It’s not just Thiago that’s key to how we operate. Yes the equalizing goal is pretty much on him but in the past two games our play in the middle of the park has really suffered. We need him in there commanding and controlling the play to give players like Thiago the ability to operate more freely. 

4: it’s official the injuries are a thing. I have no idea what happened with Westberg but I hope it’s not serious. The FO deserves tremendous credit for having us so deep at Keeper but now we’re fresh out. Reyes from the 2’s will most likely have to be called up for Wednesday’s match and potentially signed to a homegrown deal for MLS play. Hopefully GG isn’t concussed or angered his hammy further. If the injuries keep coming week to week again, it’s going to have an impact on the summer window and how we approach new signings. It could really derail things. 

5: Death, taxes, and GG scoring when he starts. Is this guy something or is he something? He understands space and how to occupy it. He finishes smartly. He puts in work on the defensive side. He’s intelligent as exhibited by the smart yellow. Pretty sure he’s who Vertical Horizon was signing about.