Pity Martinez was apparently back in Frank de Boer’s good graces, featuring in Atlanta United’s starting XI for the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinal against the Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
But that wasn't the biggest eye-opener for the Five Stripes, who previously left Martinez on the bench for a 1-0 Round One win over the New England Revolution.
With injuries to center backs Michael Parkhurst and Miles Robinson, De Boer departed from his usual three-back setup by starting Mikey Ambrose at left back in a 4-3-3. It was the first start for Ambrose, who totaled 266 minutes in the regular season, since July 7.
Without an injured Kacper Przybylko for a third straight game, Jim Curtin made one change from his starting XI rolled out for the historic come-from-behind 4-3 win over the New York Red Bulls in Round One.
Fafa Picault, who came off the bench with a goal and an assist in Philadelphia’s first-ever playoff win, replaced Andrew Wooten in a 4-4-2 with a diamond in the midfield.
