Why Atlanta United should feel positive after their weekend loss
More of the same from Atlanta United
Despite controlling large portions of their match against the Columbus Crew, this weekend was yet another home defeat for Atlanta United. Saturday’s 1-0 loss by Atlanta United was yet another disappointing result in a season that has been full of lackluster showings from one of the league’s most talented sides.
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Against Columbus, interim head coach Rob Valentino’s side was the better side throughout much of the match. They created 15 chances – a season high – and held the statistical edge in nearly every category. Once again, however, being the better side still somehow resulted in Atlanta United leaving a match empty in terms of results.
It was the defending MLS Cup champions who emerged from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the three points.
“I think just putting it in the net. As simple as that sounds, they were there. Sometimes in this game and at this level, the margin of error or the margin of chance or not chance is so small,” Valentino said after the match.
“I think we saw that tonight because they did have some chances, but then they go and score off a set piece. That one issue is frustrating, but it’s like you create the chances and they were there and it’s not because they don’t want to. They wanted to do it and you can tell by the intent. Everyone can tell by the intent of the players and they’re getting in the right areas. So, I can’t fault their efforts. I can’t fault their intentions for creation.”
With the loss, Atlanta United is now 2-5-8 (14 points) and in tenth place in the Eastern Conference.
The silver lining for Atlanta United
Under Valentino, who is the interim head coach after Gabriel Heinze was fired two weeks ago, Atlanta United looks more comfortable and at ease.
They are creating chances and dominating matches as seen this past weekend, with an edge in shots (19:10), shots on goal (5:3) and corner kicks (11:4). Their grip on possession (58 percent) was impressive against the Crew.
But a 65th minute goal by Jonathan Mensah proved enough to give Columbus a big three points on the road.
Factor in that Josef Martinez returned to the Starting XI and Atlanta United’s positive play combined with a return to a full-strength lineup are positives to emerge from Saturday’s loss.
“I think the fact that they’re creating chances I’d hope they would just continue to fall. I mean to have that many shots and not have something fall, I’m gutted for them because I think they deserve something from that game,” Valentino said.
“I think they deserve to win the game. I think they deserve more goals than we actually got. We didn’t get any so that’s frustrating for me.”
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer