Atlanta United’s players couldn’t hide their frustration. Leandro González Pírez angrily punted the match ball into the air. Reigning MLS MVP Josef Martínez stormed off the field, brushing aside a club staffer on his way to the locker room. Sections of the crowd voiced their disapproval with the outcome, the new manager and the performance in a disappointing 1-1 draw to expansion side FC Cincinnati. The irritation was palpable.



Consistent defensive errors and a toothless attack have replaced the high tempo, risk-taking vertical brand of soccer that made Atlanta United an exciting product under Tata Martino. That identity, which the club’s front office has publicly committed to on numerous occasions, appears to have left town with the Argentine manager in December. Five games into the 2019 season, the defending MLS champions are an indistinguishable version of their former selves.



“Last year we weren’t used to...