There are many reasons why Atlanta United couldn’t overcome Orlando City in last Saturday’s thrilling 3-3 draw in MLS – but fans are pointing the finger at AJC journalist Doug Roberson, who sat in the wrong spot during Tata Martino’s pre-match press conference.
Martino's kooky superstitions involve keeping things the same from previous wins – including reporters sitting in the same spots as before, and ensuring that his translator stays on his left side at weekly press conferences.
Despite an impressive Josef Martinez hat-trick, the home side were unable to push on and find a late winner in front of the 70,000 crowd – an MLS record.
While Atlanta are enjoying a fine debut season in MLS and look well poised to make the play-offs, fans will be left wondering if they'd be two points better off had Roberson sat in the spot intended for him from the start.
Don't mess with the juju September 18, 2017
The Five Stripes are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, seven points and a game in hand better off than seventh-placed Montreal.
‘Sir Gary Lineker? I don’t know how you comment on that – I’ve never even considered it. I just try to stand up for the things I believe in’ England legend tells FFT why he won’t stop raising humanitarian issues, even if it affects potential honours
'I fell on the floor and shouted for a penalty. Someone pulled me up and said, "Don’t cheat to win penalties". It was Steve McManaman. I never did it again!' Ex-Liverpool forward reveals harsh lesson he learnt from his team-mate on Reds debut
