Atlanta Finishes Preseason with 2-1 Win over Charleston Battery
February 25, 2017 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release
Head coach Gerardo Martino
Opening comment
The first half was very good. We circulated the ball really well, and were precise. I liked it a lot. In the second half, the game was more even and we had less possession.
On the starting 11
Because we wanted to balance out the amount of minutes for the week and also to give the guys who played an opportunity.
On who stood out
We played a practically different team, we didn't focus on anyone. Over the course of the season everyone will have their opportunities.
On what he learned about the team from preseason
First we had the chance to see how our competitors play up close and how they compete. Seattle and Columbus. And also to keep forming our team. We started 30 days ago and it's not like we played together last season. We started now, and it's still a short time, but I think we'll arrive in good condition next weekend.
On what the team needs to work on this week before the opener
We need to sustain control of the game for longer periods of time. Over the course of these three games there were moments when we did, we've done better each game from the first game against Columbus to tonight's game, we've added to the amount of time we controlled the game. But we have to keep getting better in that.
Atlanta United defender Mark Bloom
On how Atlanta played tonight
I thought we did pretty well actually. The first half, I think we kind of put on a clinic, we were the better team by far. I thought the only thing we could have done better was put away our chances. In the second half, we kind of let it slip away a little bit. Maybe we got a little bit tired and got a little bit careless at times; maybe we got a little too confident trying to play out of the back. But that's what preseason is for - we tried to play through it. I thought it was a good representation of our character to score that goal.
On what he learned about team this preseason
I learned that we had a lot of resilience because the Columbus game was a wake-up call and I think we responded really well in the Seattle game. I think that we're going to be really confident going into the start of the season.
On the biggest area the team needs to work on this week
I think just more of the same, just getting to know each other better and learning our tendencies; learning the system and getting confident in the system.
Atlanta midfielder Andrew Carleton
What was it like to be back here?
It felt good to be back at Charleston and to be able to play at a stadium that I'm pretty familiar with and play with a new team. It was pretty cool to play with Atlanta and get a start against Charleston on the other side - it was pretty interesting. I thought it was a good night and just fun to be back.
Was it strange to be on the other side - not wearing Gold and Black?
It was mostly different just to be on the other side of the players who I'm pretty good friends with. Being able to talk to them before the game and catch up - it was pretty cool to do that and be on the other side. It felt like training again to be back out with the guys. It was great to see them and just a fun match.
How did you think you played?
I felt like I did pretty well. I was happy with how I played. I thought I created some chances and worked hard defensively and be able give my all for the team and just do my job and contribute to the team.
Do you think the added weight has helped you?
Yeah, I think adding a little bit of weight has helped - and not that I am just trying to gain weight - it naturally came on as I'm growing and so it's helped me to be able to hold my own against the big guys and let's me be a little bit more dynamic and physical.
On expectations in the regular season and being played by Martino
To have fun - it's up to him. I always trying to have fun and enjoy it - it's not my call. I just need to work as hard as I can and be able to contribute to the team and at any chance I get I'm going to do with whatever I get, do what I can and show how good I can do.
How close were you on those two shots in the second half?
The second one was closer than the first one. They were decent. I kind of passed a couple of the guys and thought it was a good idea to let loose and try to get one in the goal but they were just wide.
On playing with Bloom and Gressel
Yeah - we have a pretty decent combination going on the right side. I was pretty decent friends with Mark growing up in Georgia, so that's a little extra something right there. And being able to combine with them, it's just fun to be on the field with them, honestly.
What was it like to have that fan reaction coming off the field?
It feels great to be able to be appreciated and to see how work like that can pay off with something sweet and nice like that. To hear them yell your name and all. And to be able to sign some autographs was pretty cool.
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