Atlanta United falls to Cruz Azul by penalty kicks 1(4)-1(5), eliminating the team from MLS Leagues Cup tournament.
It’s a win and advance for Atlanta United, who has only won four of its last 16 games across all competitions. With 30 minutes until game time, the stands are heavily Cruz Azul fans, which could indicate how fans are starting to feel about the squad’s recent play. It’s the Leagues Cup, an in-season tournament, but it’s hard not to see the disparity.
When Cruz Azul scores a goal in the 20th minute, fans loudly cheer and let off blue smoke in celebration. The juxtaposition of blue smoke in Mercedes Benz among a sea of red is highly ironic. Recently, manager Gonzalo Pineda said he was okay with his job security. Still, as Atlanta United continues to slide away from the depths that was their 2018 championship team, there is smoke. And where there is smoke, there is fire. At halftime, with a 1-0 lead, the fire is growing for Atlanta United, who has zero shots on goal and has only scored two goals in the last three games.
The second half continues with more attempts from Atlanta United to get on the board, but Cruz Azul is prepared and fends off nearly every advance. Finally, in minute 75, Thiago Almada breaks free for a much-needed equalizer. The crowd of over 41,000 erupts as if they waited for ages for any signs of offense. (In reality, they have.) The momentum is with Atlanta United as things get intense down the stretch of the match. Eventually, teams have to be separated as the game spills into stoppage time. The passion is certainly there and building as the match ends 1-1 in regulation, with penalty kicks coming. A game decided by penalty kicks is just the second occurrence in Atlanta United’s history.
“This game is an example of what we have to do every time we’re on the field…In the big scheme of things, we are doing a very good job, but (there are) those lapses where individual mistakes are hurting the team.” For Pineda, if his seat wasn’t already warm, it’s starting to get there. His team is drastically underperforming given the roster talent. Atlanta United must find answers fast.
Atlanta United travels to Seattle on August 20,2023 to take on the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field.
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