Tag: Atlanta United

Hey, is that a MLS player on Argentina’s World Cup roster?

Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada will be joining Lionel Messi and co. in Qatar

By most accounts, Argentina is the favorite, or at least co-favorite to win the World Cup.

And now, in something of a milestone for MLS, the league will feature a player on said World Cup favorite: Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni called Almada into his World Cup squad on Thursday as an injury replacement, with the 21-year-old joining Ángel Correa as the pair replacing Nicolás González and Joaquín Correa.

Almada joined Atlanta United from from Vélez Sarsfield prior to the 2022 season for a reported league-record transfer fee of $16 million.

In his debut MLS campaign, Almada put up six goals and 12 assists en route to being named the MLS Newcomer of the Year.

That form earned Almada his first Argentina cap in September and although he did not make the country’s initial 26-man roster, he was named as an alternate and got the nod after two players went down injured.

After making his international debut, Almada was praised by none other than his teammate Lionel Messi.

“Thiago is very fresh,” Messi said. “He’s a very fast player who can play one-v-one. He’s clever and isn’t afraid of anything.”

Almada is the first active Atlanta United player to represent his country at a World Cup, and the first MLS player to represent Argentina at the tournament.

For MLS, Almada is one of a league-high 37 players who are on World Cup rosters. Canada (11) and the United States (9) make up over half that amount, but there is also representation from Australia, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Poland, Switzerland, Uruguay, and now, Argentina.

No active MLS player has ever won a World Cup. Almada is clearly the strongest candidate the league has ever had to break that streak.

[lawrence-related id=9813,9800,9784]

Josef Martínez defies gravity for Atlanta United with spectacular bicycle kick goal

Josef served up a reminder of what he’s capable of

Josef Martínez, in possibly his final days with Atlanta United, just reminded everyone what he’s capable of.

With Atlanta trailing a must-win game against the New England Revolution, Martínez produced a goal-of-the-year frontrunner, leaping up to smash a bicycle kick past goalkeeper Djordje Petrović.

It’s nearly the imagined ideal of an aerial volley, with Martínez using the torque created by his turn away from goal to snap his leg towards the ball. Sometimes bicycle kicks don’t have full power, but Martínez nearly tore a hole in the back of the net with this one.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, it wasn’t enough. A victory was the only way for them to stay in the playoff chase in MLS’s Eastern Conference, and Martínez’s goal pulled them even in the 81st minute. Atlanta’s hopes lasted for all of four minutes, with New England attacker Gustavo Bou putting the Revs back in front with the eventual game-winner.

The goal comes at an inflection point for Atlanta and their one true club icon. Martínez has put up 10 goals and four assists in 2022, which is a solid (if not superstar Designated Player-level) return on an Atlanta side that hasn’t impressed at all this year.

However, there have been rumors of friction between player and club all year. Martínez tore into his teammates and the team’s overall recruitment earlier this summer, and Atlanta recently suspended him for a game after he reportedly flipped over a table full of food and had an altercation with head coach Gonzalo Pineda. During the match, reports from TUDN and The Athletic had Martínez and the club planning to meet in the offseason to discuss his future.

Watch Martínez’s spectacular goal

[lawrence-related id=6974,4369]

Josef Martínez suspended for a week, reportedly for flipping over a table of chicken and rice

Things are not going great in Atlanta

Atlanta United has suspended forward Josef Martínez for one game for what it called “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Martínez will miss all team activities this week and will not be available for Atlanta United’s match against Toronto FC on Saturday.

Though the team did not provide details of what Martínez did to earn the suspension, The Athletic reported that the forward knocked over a catering table of food in frustration after Atlanta’s 2-1 loss to Portland on Sunday.

A source who witnessed the incident said: “(Martínez) just knocks it all over and there’s chicken and rice all over the locker room.”

Martínez then had a physical confrontation with his coach Gonzalo Pineda, with the pair having to be physically restrained.

Not great!

It’s been a frustrating season for Martínez, a club legend who has struggled to recapture his best form after knee surgery early in the season. He’s scored eight goals but only started 12 of his 22 appearances.

Martínez lashed out at his teammates and the front office after a loss in July, hinting he could leave the club at the end of the season despite his contract having one further season remaining.

This latest incident is likely to increase the 29-year-old’s chances of leaving the club sooner rather than later.

[lawrence-related id=6922,6903,6877]

Miles Robinson accused bartender of racism prior to arrest for misdemeanor theft

The Atlanta United and USMNT defender allegedly refused to pay for a shot worth $5

Atlanta United and U.S. men’s national team defender Miles Robinson was arrested on Saturday night on a charge of misdemeanor theft by taking, according to police records.

Robinson posted a $150 bond after the incident at PBR Atlanta, a bar near Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves home stadium.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the incident.

Pro Soccer Wire has obtained a copy of the police incident report, in which police say Robinson accused the bartender of racism after he refused to pay for a shot valued at $5.

“I was notified by security of a light-skinned black male that snatched a drink tray or shot from a bartender,” the incident report began. “Security requested to have the male escorted off the premises and criminally trespassed.”

The report continues:

Robinson once again began digging around in his pockets. I then conducted a pat down for weapons and officer safety. Robinson began pulling away from me. Robinson was then detained.

The manager stated that all Robinson had to do was pay for the drink that was taken and he could leave. The manager also requested that Robinson be criminally trespassed from PBR.

Detective Goduto then explained to Robinson that he could pay his bill of $5 and he would be free to leave. Robinson stated, “All this over five dollars bro…” Detective Goduto and I both explained that he just had to pay the bill. Robinson repeated, “all this over five dollars?” Robinson then stated that he was a soccer player and represented the city. With it being very loud in front of PBR. Detective Goduto and I escorted Robinson to my patrol vehicle.

I attempted to explain to him that he could just pay the $5 bill and he could leave. Robinson stated, “You only want to listen to the racist bartender, you aren’t going to listen to me.” I attempted to explain to Robinson that the bartender observed him take a shot and then walk away and alerted the managers. Robinson would not listen but stated that the situation was because he was the only black male inside of the bar. 

Detective Goduto then explained to him that all he had to do was pay his bill and that if he did not pay the bill the manager wanted to press charges for theft. Robinson once again stated all this was over five dollars. Robinson did not indicate that he was going to pay the bill. Robinson was then taken into custody, searched incident to his arrest, and then transported to Cobb ADC (Adult Detention Center).

When contacted for comment, an Atlanta United spokesperson said: “We are aware of a recent misdemeanor arrest involving Miles Robinson. We are continuing to gather all information related to the incident and will not have further comment at this time.”

Robinson is currently recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in May. The 25-year-old had secured a starting center back role with the USMNT prior to the injury, which is likely to rule him out for the World Cup.

[lawrence-related id=6923,6860,6849]

El mexicano de la MLS olvidado por el Tri de Tata Martino

Es hora de dejar de hablar de Chicharito y hacer caso al Atlanta United y voltear a ver a otros mexicanos em la MLS.

Tata Martino, director técnico de la selección mexicana ha dejado claro que no llamará a Chicharito Hernández para sumarse a sus filas ante el Mundial de Qatar 2022. Sin embargo, cuando se habla de la MLS y del Tri, la discusión constante sigue siendo Chicharito.

Pero el de Guadalajara no es el único mexicano en la MLS que debería de llamar la atención del Tri. Desde el Atlanta United recordaron que hay otros jugadores que podrían ser de interés para Martino.

A través de Twitter, la cuenta del Atlanta United mandó una directa a la selección cuando escribió en un tuit:

“Oye, Selección Nacional… ¿y el que metió el gol de la victoria? No sé, piénsalo”. El tuit hace referencia a Juan José Purata, defensa mexicano surgido de Tigres, quien le dio el triunfo 3-2 ante el DC United.

Es hora de dejar de hablar de Chicharito y hacer caso al Atlanta United y voltear a ver a otros mexicanos que tienen potencial para marcar la diferencia en Qatar.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

MLS Madness spreads nationwide as league breaks goalscoring record

MLS was, even by MLS standards, completely bonkers Saturday night

Summer in MLS can be a rough time. You’re too far away from the real pressure of making or missing the playoffs, it’s hot and humid everywhere, teams are figuring it out after transfer window moves. It can feel very much like everyone’s biding their time for September and October.

Not August 6. MLS Madness™ took hold in nearly every corner of the country, with goals galore, teams scoring and conceding in the deepest depths of stoppage time, big-name stars scoring bangers, and everyone basically went bananas. It was a perfect advertisement for the league: fun, flawed, weird, and inexplicable.

For one thing, MLS broke a league record for goals scored in one night. Across 13 games Saturday night, teams combined for 57 goals, an average of well over four per game. The old record of 46 was left in the dust.

As the league itself once said, This Stuff Kicks!

In chronological order, let’s go through one of the wildest nights in MLS history:

Josef Martínez has had enough of this awful Atlanta United team

The striker unloaded on his teammates and the front office after an embarrassing loss to Austin FC

The dam finally broke for Josef Martínez on Saturday, as the Atlanta United striker unloaded on his teammates and the club’s front office after a humbling 3-0 home defeat to Austin FC.

In front of 67,500 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta capitulated against the second-year franchise. The Five Stripes were not only tactically and technically inferior but also simply out-competed in the team’s worst ever home loss.

The defeat dropped Atlanta to 11th in the Eastern Conference, with the team compiling a 2W-7L-4D record since mid-April.

After the game Martínez did not mince words when speaking to reporters, saying that he has seen his team stagnate.

“This happened months ago so it’s not a surprise for us,” Martínez said. “We played like this months ago.

“We play because we have to play, but in the training some people don’t have that energy. Some people don’t know what they have to do, or they don’t recognize or appreciate the jersey and what we’ve been doing for a long time, and probably that’s the biggest problem.”

The striker made a damning indictment of his club’s front office and the players they have signed in recent seasons, charging that some of his teammates have been signed for “business” reasons and not because they have a desire to play for the Five Stripes.

“If you don’t come here for 100 percent, probably you don’t have to choose to play at this club. That’s the message for everyone. If you want to bring guys here, it’s because they want to play here and it’s not because of business, and that’s been happening for a long time,” Martínez added.

Martínez, one of the greatest strikers in MLS history with 94 goals in 119 regular-season games, said on more than one occasion that he could be leaving Atlanta United at the end of this season, or after next season when his contract expires.

“I still have one year [on my contract],” the 29-year-old said. “I enjoy every day because I have to say ‘thank you God’ bringing me back to the field [from injury].

“I try to do my best. Sometimes I can play good, sometimes not. Sometimes I can score, sometimes not. I put my whole body on the f–––g field and this is not discussed. But, you know, it’s soccer, it’s life. Probably this team needs more different players and we think about it.”

[lawrence-related id=4366,4338]

‘I definitely will come back’: Terrell enjoys taking in a new experience

A.J. Terrell took in a new experience on Saturday that he really enjoyed. The former Clemson and current Atlanta Falcons star cornerback attended his first-ever soccer match, as he was on hand for Atlanta United’s match vs. Columbus Crew on Saturday …

A.J. Terrell took in a new experience on Saturday that he really enjoyed.

The former Clemson and current Atlanta Falcons star cornerback attended his first-ever soccer match, as he was on hand for Atlanta United’s match vs. Columbus Crew on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta — where Terrell plays his home games with the Falcons.

Not only was Terrell there, though, but the Atlanta native participated in Atlanta United’s Golden Spike Tradition and was given the honor of being the Spike Hitter before the match.

“It was great,” Terrell said during an interview with Atlanta United pre-and post-game host and sideline reporter Jillian Sakovits. “Just being able to get the opportunity to go up there with the fans, it was a different experience for me, and being able to let them feel my energy and me being able to feel theirs was definitely big for me.”

Terrell brought his family with him to the match.

“This is my first game so I’m pretty sure it’s everybody’s first game, and we’re just enjoying everything, just comparing this from gameday with the Falcons and now,” Terrell said. “It’s similar, but you wouldn’t really expect all of this to be for soccer, and I see that it’s real big around here, so we’re definitely enjoying it.”

“I definitely will come back, for sure,” he added. “It was a big goal for me to come to a game like this. I’d never been to a soccer game, so I wanted to come.”

Terrell also recently had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Atlanta Braves’ game vs. the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park Atlanta on April 27.

A two-time All-ACC selection during his three-year Clemson career (2017-19), Terrell was drafted by the Falcons in the first round (16th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Terrell had a breakout season in his second NFL campaign last year, when he tallied 81 total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, 16 passes defended and three interceptions in 16 games.

Terrell was asked what fans can expect from the Falcons this season.

“We’re just getting the ball back rolling,” he said. “We’ve got a whole bunch of different pieces in the system right now. Right now, we’re just building chemistry. We’re just taking it day-by-day with OTAs (organized team activities) and just building up to Week 1.”

In 44 games (30 starts) at Clemson, Terrell recorded 107 career tackles (3.5 for loss), 29 pass breakups, six interceptions (returned for a total of 160 yards including a 44-yard touchdown) and two forced fumbles. He started all 15 games in his first year as a starter in 2018, scoring the first points of the College Football Playoff National Championship on a pick-six, and helped Clemson to a 29-1 record in two years as a starter.

–Photo for this article courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

Congratulations! You did it! You graduated! Now is the time to preserve your diploma in a custom frame. Here at Clemson Variety & Frame, we build all our frames in-house – from the frame to the mats and etchings to the installation – to guarantee the quality. You worked hard for your degree. Trust us to show your diploma in the best light possible.

Miles Robinson injury: Huge blow for USMNT and Atlanta as defender tears Achilles

The timeline for the defender’s recovery makes it highly doubtful he’ll be back for the World Cup

Atlanta United and U.S. national team defender Miles Robinson suffered a torn Achilles in Saturday’s game against the Chicago Fire, dealing a huge blow to his club and country.

Robinson went down with a non-contact injury early on against the Fire and pounded the turf in frustration, sensing the severity of the situation right away before being stretchered off.

“I think it’s going to be a bad injury,” head coach Gonzalo Pineda said on the halftime broadcast.

Two days later, Atlanta United confirmed Pineda’s fears, announcing that Robinson had suffered a ruptured Achilles and would undergo surgery on Monday.

Bad news for the USMNT

Typically an injury like Robinson’s takes between six and nine months to recover from, putting his World Cup hopes in serious doubt.

The U.S. is set to kick off the 2022 World Cup on November 21, just over six months from the date of Robinson’s injury.

Robinson has established himself as a clear-cut starter under Gregg Berhalter, starting 11 of 14 games for the USMNT in its World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 25-year-old formed a strong partnership with Walker Zimmerman in the heart of the USMNT defense. Now Berhalter will likely have to find a new starter as his side gets set for its first World Cup in eight years.

Among the top options to partner Zimmerman are Chris Richards, Aaron Long and John Brooks should Berhalter opt to end the Wolfsburg defender’s exile from the team.

Aside from the aforementioned trio, Berhalter could also call upon Mark McKenzie, Erik Palmer-Brown or Cameron Carter-Vickers, among other options.

Atlanta’s injury woes continue

For Atlanta United, Robinson’s injury marks the second key player lost to a torn Achilles this season.

Last month, veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan suffered the same injury and was lost for the season. Atlanta also lost key midfielder Ozzie Alonso to a season-ending ACL injury last month.

Robinson has been an ever-present for Atlanta since the 2019 season. Pineda will now likely turn to a combination of Alex de John, Alan Franco and George Campbell to help fill the void in central defense.

The Five Stripes have started the MLS season with four wins, four losses and two draws.

¿Qué futuro le espera a Jürgen Damm? Atlanta le paga y lo libera

A Jürgen Damm lo apretaron por todos lados pero el jugador se mantuvo firme y el Atlanta se comprometió a pagar la parte restante del contrato

Pese a que Jürgen Damm había anunciado en la semana que estaba en negociaciones para renovar contrato con Atlanta United, el mediocampista mexicano terminó siendo liberado y no formará más parte del equipo de la MLS.

El mexicano no quiso reducirse el salario que venía cobrando desde su llegada a la MLS en 2020 por lo que las negociaciones no prosperaron y el equipo que dirige Gonzalo Pineda le rescindió el contrato.

El propio técnico mexicano había anticipado que Damm no entraba en planes ni sería contemplado en el equipo pues las intenciones del United eran reducir el salario al futbolista en una reestructuración del vínculo en el que el futbolista exigió que se respetaran las condiciones de cuando estampó su firma en 2020.

© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Aparentemente a Jürgen Damm lo apretaron por todos lados pero el jugador se mantuvo firme y el Atlanta se comprometió a pagar la parte restante del contrato que tenía hasta 2024.

El futuro del futbolista ahora como agente libre estaría en Estados Unidos donde tendría ofertas o en las Chivas de Guadalajara que mostraron interés en el jugador.

Jürgen Damm tuvo un paso regular por la MLS, en 24 apariciones solo ocho de ellas fueron como titular, en sus estadísticas quedarán ocho asistencias y un gol anotado en la Liga de Campeones de la Concacaf.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]