Play is just good enough to get the win at home
Atlanta United bounce back from the loss last weekend to take all three points at home in the first match between potential regional rival Charlotte FC.
Three thoughts on a lackluster performance that was just good enough.
Possession is not 9/10 of the law.
This Atlanta United team looked a lot like the previous post-2018 squads. The first half saw the home side bully the mid-field and dominate the possession, however, they never really looked threatening with the possession. Much like in the Frank deBoer area, the attack looked lost for ideas.
With Brooks Lennon and Andrew Gutman heading down the flanks, they created a lot of space for the midfield and the attack but were never able to create the necessary dangerous pass to get the job done.
Brooks Lennon of Atlanta United moves past the Charlotte defense at Mercedes Benz Stadium on March 13th, 2022.
Set Piece woes
Set pieces continue to haunt this squad. Continuing a trend from last season, set-piece defending remains an area of concern. The set-piece disaster in Yankee Stadium to end the 2021 season is still fresh in the memory. Last season the club allowed seven goals total from corner kicks, which represented about 20% of all goals allowed. So far this season they have allowed two goals from set-pieces versus three from open play, already trending at 40%. This is an area that requires improved and continued focus
There is hope!
The good news is that key pieces are coming back. Thiago Almada made his first appearance for the club after a record $16M transfer fee in the off-season.
Thiago Almada of Atlanta United moves past the Charlotte defense at Mercedes Benz Stadium on March 13th, 2022.
Josef Martínez has lacked a potent offensive partner since the departure of Miguel Almirón in the winter of 2019. There have been several high-priced attempts to replace him that have mixed results at best. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda is still working to build the right plan to integrate Almada into the attack.
For more images from the match check out the photo gallery by Prost Amerika photographer Jim Stapp here.
