Hating on Atlanta United hasn’t been as fun as it once was but yesterday’s 2-2 draw and the aftermath of stupidity online following it from the Five Stripe fanbase was a good reminder. Maybe the rivalry is back?

In the email today:

1. 🔥 Philadelphia Union still unbeaten heading into bye week

The Union pulled off another remarkable comeback in the second half yesterday thanks to two a pair of lovely finishes from Mikael Uhre and Kai Wagner but the real talking point of the game was the two controversial referee decisions and Union head coach Jim Curtin’s response post-game where he talked about the definition of clear and obvious, a sitcom that hasn’t aired new episodes in nearly a decade and a need for better cameras on offside calls.

I dove a little more into in an essay for Philadelphia Soccer Now but controversy aside it was the type of game that either team could’ve won (thank you, woodwork) and was yet another reminder of the mentality and the fight in a squad that many counted out far too prematurely after the embarrassment in Pachuca.

While three points - either via the Uhre goal that was waived off or at the death when referee Jon Freemon blew for full-time mid attack - would’ve felt deserved from a Union fan perspective the fact that they have 13 points through 7 games with all but two of those played at home is worth celebrating.

From the locker room culture and leadership on and off the field to the technical staff working together to put their team in positions to succeed, the Philadelphia Union are in a good position.

2. 🐍 Kai Wagner’s Right Foot

Kai Wagner doesn’t score often but when he does it’s usually a reminder that he owns a cannon for a left foot. Though that cannon is still in top shape, the German left back showed that his right isn’t all that bad either with a finish that might be the goal of the year so far for the Union.

Interestingly enough, Wagner’s goal came after Mikael Uhre, who mostly scores goals with his right foot, scored a stunning goal with his left.

Wagner has 9 goals in his Union career (and 10 across his pro career) and that appears to be the first one he’s scored with his right.

The significance couldn’t have been greater too as an equalizer off a cleared Nathan Harriel long throw to complete what would usually be considered a long shot coming back after Atlanta’s second in the 63rd minute.

Watch it again and marvel at the “stunning technique” it took to pull off.

3. 📺 Tweet of the Day: Still Undefeated

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Two and a Half Men Thoughts

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Todd Lewis of The Free Kick Podcast is back with an Atlanta Goals Breakdown!

• Jacob Keppen recapped yesterday’s wild back and forth draw in Atlanta.

• Union II goalkeeper Mike Sheridan grew up a few miles from Subaru Park and got to experience an unlikely dream come true when he made his pro debut there last month.

Philadelphia Union One Planet Pre-Match Jersey Now Available. Order at the MLS Store.

Thanks for reading! Have an item or suggestion for the newsletter? Email [email protected].

Want to support this newsletter? Upgrade your account 
for $1 per month or $10 per year.