Atlanta United get big (but sloppy) win
Atlanta United continues to roll
It wasn’t the prettiest of matches but the result sure was for a suddenly resurgent Atlanta United side. The ‘Five Stripes’ are on a bit of a roll.
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Atlanta United hasn’t lost in their last four matches and have won their last three games, the longest streak of the season. An Ezequiel Barco goal in the 20th minute enough to get Atlanta United the full three points against an Eastern Conference rival. It was an ugly match and sloppy at times but the result is what matters for this team
The match also represents Rob Valentino’s last home as interim head coach; it was Valentino who took over when Gabriel Heinze was fired last month. Gonzalo Pineda will take next week following his new club’s match at D.C. United this Saturday.
Under Valentino, Atlanta United has dramatically turned their season around, their run of 10 points in the last four games bettering their record to 5-6-9 (24 points). They are just three points off a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
“In this league it’s important to win games like that. It’s important to win at home. I told them before the game, that you have to win at home. We have a lot of home games left. We have to continue to win at home. It’s important to the fans. It’s important to us. You have to make this place as close to what it was before, people being scared to come here. That’s what I told them after the match. A win is a win. I appreciate their efforts,” Valentino told reporters after the match.
“I probably don’t say that enough because they sacrifice their bodies and try to perform to the best of their abilities. There is no one out there just tossing it off. I appreciate the sacrifice they put on their body day in and day out. They play through injuries and what not. I really appreciate that. That’s what I stressed to them after the match. I’ll take responsibility when I’ve done things wrong.
“If that was a reflection of me, I’ll take that responsibility. But I also just want to make sure they are appreciated. That’s not easy going on a Sunday, then a Wednesday and now going again on Saturday. A win is a win and it’s important for this group and for the club at the moment.”
Atlanta United star makes debut
Recent signing Luiz Araújo made his debut on Wednesday night, making the Starting XI and playing 67 minutes before coming off for Erik Lopez.
Araújo was signed before the transfer deadline and looked solid in his debut. The 25-year old attacking winger came from Ligue 1 side Lille.
“I thought he was good. He had some good actions. It’s good to mix him in the group,” Valentino said.
“I’m sure for his first game with the club there are a lot of things going through his head. So, to introduce him to the fans and shows what he is about. You can see his quality in attack, and he worked defensively as well, he just has to continue to progress and work in the group. He’s a quality player, they all are, so they mix in with each other really well. I thought he did alright tonight.”
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