O. Pineda

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with more big names making moves in and out of the league, as well as some coaches out after slow starts to the season. We start things off though recapping the CONCACAF Champions League final where Columbus lost to Pachuca. Is MLS still behind Liga MX or was there another reason for the loss? Next we stay in Columbus and talk Aidan Morris's rumored move to Middlesbrough. Lastly, we...

Gonzalo Pineda sacked after 1 win in the last 11 games. Rob Valentino will step up as the interim coach (again). What do we want from a future coach?

A good second half in the US Open cup results in a win. Yet, Atlanta United FC - Another Home Loss (3-2) vs DC United. Benteke scores a hat trick on Atlanta's own turf. Three straight "L's" at home, while the Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda asks for our patience. This season is about to slip into the history books. The time to move on is now and find a coach that can get us to MLS Cup with all this talent.

It was sadley very predictable. We went into game three on the road vs Columbus and dropped 3 goals before we knew what hit us. Gonzalo Pineda did not make the right adjustments to prevent goals, nor has he all season. Our excitment about a 4-2 win at home was short lived. 2024 will surley see wide sweeping roster exits which makes stability difficult. You want to be optimistic, but it's not adding between bad coaching and new players TBD.

Atlanta United FC finished the regular season 6th in the Eastern Conference, hanging onto a draw (2-2) vs FC Cincinnati. Was going for a win worth the risk? Thiago Almada will miss the first game vs Columbus Crew in the three game playoff system. What is next for Atlanta United FC if we don't progress in the first round? Why should Gonzalo Pineda keep his position limping into the playoffs with one of the league's best and highest paid rosters? We talk about it all.

Atlanta United lost another opportunity to pick up a full three points. Having played nearly half the game with a man advantage, Gonzalo Pineda was unable to produce a critical road win that was on a plate for the taking. Dave seems to have a moment of clarity, looking back at his notes this season. Mike is still in shock Miguel Berry got the start. MLS refs need to get a grip. Giving out Red Cards needs some common sense, and it was disappointing to see these teams playing a man down for no considerable reason.

Thiago Almada puts in 2 bangers in extra time to save Atlanta United in their lackluster season opener against San Jose. While we have optimism for Thiago Almada, we don’t see any changes from Gonzalo Pineda that make our future bright.

We talk about the season ending Press Conference with Gonzalo Pineda and Carlos Bocanegra. We review the starting lineups and formations through the 2022 season and why Pineda clearly picked favorites over "talent" and basic coaching logic. We had diversity and injuries, but it was not an excuse for the team finishing at the bottom of the eastern conference table. World Cup starts in less than 30 days and we are ready for the France to lose in the first stage of knock out rounds.

We talk a lot about Atlanta United's win over Toronto FC's 4-2. It was great evening at the benz, but scary for a soccer brainiac, if you are Dave. Why play 1 man back when we are up 3-2 in the 80th min, only if you are crazy Pineda! Park the bus. No thanks he says, let's gamble the season. Purata's hattrick was worth it I guess.... Shambolic. We talk about it all.

Atlanta United 4-1 Loss to Philadelphia Union Ends Hope Even with a Win at home over DC United - Pineda must go in our opnion and he's made his bed with continual bad decisions and continual starts fo RRN. Who is driving the bus, Boca Boca? Who could even sack Gonzalo Pineda with any authority? We don't know. But we need a replacement ASAP.