For Atlanta United, the loss to CS Herediano in the week was embarrassing. While they should never have been so complacent as to presume victory, surely their worst nightmares wouldn’t have seen them not only concede three goals but do so in such a hapless manner.
The 3-1 deficit is not insurmountable. The second leg will be at home, where Atlanta are excellent, and scoring goals is not something that this Five Stripes side struggles with. There is still plenty of reason to hope.
But the loss did illustrate the importance of being match sharp — or more specifically, the damage that can be caused when players are overworked or underprepared.