It is no stretch to say that Saturday night was one of the most disappointing performances in Atlanta United history. A 3-0 home loss at the hands of Austin FC. Two of those goals were scored in the first 20 minutes of match play. However, the story gets worse.
What was clear throughout the match, was an utter lack of effort from United. At no point during the match did it appear that the club had any intentions of attempting to make a comeback or rally. This lack of effort did not go unnoticed.
After the loss, which now puts the club closer to last place in the eastern conference than the playoff line, there was a team only meeting. After the meeting, head coach, Gonzalo Pineda, and striker, Josef Martinez had some critical words of the team.
Pineda went on to say that the team "isn't fighting for each other," and that this behavior has been going on for "three months now." He went on to say that changes in the lineup will be made.
Martinez doubled down on that sentiment saying that injuries aren't the problem and that "It's a message for everyone, if you want to bring in some guys, it's because they want to play here and not because its business. And that's happened for a long time."
When a team's coach and star player are openly criticizing the care and effort of multiple players on the team, you have a serious problem. And for the first time in United's history, they have a serious problem.
A simple lineup change may not be all that's coming. United may have to look as far as stripping the roster down and finding the guys that are willing to give 100% every night.
Atlanta United has reached a crossroad. Stay the course and fizzle out for another disappointing season or make some changes and push for the playoffs.