Atlanta United kicked off a three-game road trip with a disappointing performance against Toronto FC as they fell 2-1.
The 5 Stripes were hit hard even before the first whistle rang through BMO Field as the injury bug bit the back line yet again. Defender Brooks Lennon went down with an apparent leg injury during pre-game warmups and had to be carried off the pitch. The right back was replaced by Aiden McFadden.
An exact diagnosis is still not available, but his absense was felt on the back line tonight.
Twelfth place Toronto FC was able to take advantage early in the match as Jonathan Osorio was able to take a poor pass from Atlanta United and convert it into an early lead. This was the story of the match, as they were plagued by sloppy play throughout.
The loan glimmer of hope tonight was the play of Luiz Araújo.
But that hope was short-lived as Ralph Priso put a deflected shot into the back of the net to take back the lead.
This feels like a missed opportunity for Atlanta United as this is clearly the most beatable opponent on this road trip, and the going gets far more difficult from here.
Atlanta United is fortunate not to have lost any ground on the table, as Charlotte also fell tonight. The going does not get any easier because next up is a trip to New York City to take on the Eastern Conference-leading NYCFC.
After the loss, Atlanta United stands 5-4-6 on the season with 19 points.