MLS Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United Defeat Chattanooga FC 4-0 in Preseason Opener

Published on February 11, 2017 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release


Head coach Tata Martino

You said you wanted to see effort, trust and some understanding of the tactics. Did you see that?

Effort was there. The idea was there. At the moment, we're missing the execution.

The team passes the ball a lot, possession soccer?

I think we controlled the ball pretty well, that's the ide we have. When we can go vertical to do it, when we have to hold the ball more, then to do that. The intention I think was pretty clear.

Follow up question on intensity and two different 11's?

The score isn't the most important thing. The most important is to see a team in the first and second half with clear ideas of how we want to play.

Young player like Andrew Carleton, what did you see from him?

He has enormous potential. He's young, learns fast, has a lot of quality, and the future depends on him.

Two DP's scored an another assisted, is that what you were hoping to see out of those three players?

In reality, that the DP's are involved a lot is something that's going to improve the team.

What lessons from this game can you take into the next game?

We have the idea of always playing the same style regardless of the opponent. And I think today we were more focused on playing the way we want.

On starting a team from scratch

In reality we have the team we wanted to have, and furthermore we have the necessary variables to have a good season. We hope to keep growing as a team.

First game, 2 different teams, feelings on that?

At the moment I'm calm, and the feeling I have is that we have a group of players that entered in the second half that are going to make it pretty tough on the guys who played in the first half.

On using the same starting eleven in upcoming preseason matches

No, we don't know yet. We're trying to find the best way to be ready March 5.

On Gressel and Robinson

They are players that don't seem like recent draft picks. They're players that are going to have a lot of opportunities over the course of the season.

Timeline of the team

For this first game, the level was good, but obviously we aspire to grow more for the start of the season

Defender Greg Garza

Did you see the tactics and chemistry you hoped to?

I believe so. It's a good first test for us. Personally I think we have a lot to work on, especially the back four, but it was good to be out there and see how we can build that chemistry and start working on the philosophy that Tata wants to implement. It was a good first test. I think we have a long way to go. We have a few weeks before the season starts, and I think that next week will be the real test for us to see what it will be like playing against some teams from the league, but today was a wonderful chance for us to show what we have in the team.

Was it a challenge for you to integrate into the squad?

From the very beginning, the very first day, I think these guys really made me feel at home. The chemistry was already there within the group from the two weeks in Bradenton, Fla. and they brought me right in. So I felt the chemistry and gelling is already there in the group. I think we just have a few more things to work on the field to get everything sharpened up for the season.

What does the defense need to work on?

I would say staying connected and trying to learn the philosophy. As you guys could probably see today, the pressure is definitely there for the whole entire team. I think we just need to be on the same page and realize when we need to pressure and how to keep our team as compact as can be. As the days go by we'll definitely have time to work on that and sit down with Tata and really focus on what he wants us to do. But it was a wonderful opportunity for us to show what we have in the team.

What did you think of the crowd?

We're not too far away, right? I actually wasn't expecting it. I think most of the guys when we were on the bus riding here we saw all these people with Atlanta flags and jerseys and that's a wonderful sight to see. I know it's the first game, the inaugural game for us to put on the jersey's and have these people see us. I hope we were able to put on a show for them and hopefully see them in the next three weeks.

What do you think of Carleton getting a goal?

From the very first day I've been here, he's been a guy with enormous talent, him and [Chris] Goslin. Guys that came out of their academy and have a wonderful opportunity to grow. The main thing for those to is to keep the brain straight and realize that at the professional level you have to live in the most professional way. The talent is already there, but I think if you can push them, and hopefully us older guys that have been in the game for quite a while can help them move forward as much as possible and I really see a very bright future for the both of them. So it's a very happy and positive showing for both of them, but I think this professional level will definitely help them grow as a person as well.

Midfielder Andrew Carleton

How was your first match?

It was a dream come true just to get on the field and be able to play. I was happy with how the team played and how I was able to perform and get on the score sheet and contribute to the team.

Describe your goal

I got the ball and I tried to play Josef [Martinez] through, but he was offside and Kevin [Kratz] made a good run around the outside and I just followed my run in the box. [Kratz] crossed it in, and it was a great ball by Kevin, and I was lucky to be in the right spot at the right time. I got my head on it and the keeper blocked it and it just fell in the right spot.

How does it feel to have Tata Martino as your coach?

He's a great coach and he's already taught me many great things. I plan to continue to learn from him and listen to what he can teach me to be able to grow as a player and a person.

Did you plan your goal celebration?

Chris Goslin and I were on the bench talking, ‚¬ËœIf you score you're going to have to go in the crowd.' We talked about it a little bit, but not much, and then it happened and the rush of adrenaline took over and I had to go do it.

Is this all surreal for you?

A little bit, but I try to take it step by step. This is what I worked my whole life for and just hope to continue to grow as a player and as a person.

What do you need to work on before the next preseason game?

We need to get to know each other better as a team. We're all new to each other and we're still all learning how each other plays and each other's strengths and weaknesses. We need to get closer as a team and be able to know where each other are going to be at the right time.

What's been the biggest challenge for you playing with the first team?

The speed of play and the physicality. Being 16 years old, it's hard to play with guys who have been at such a high level for a long time. I'm trying to adapt to that and get to know everyone.

How did it feel to pull up to the stadium on the bus?

It was pretty crazy. It was a little bit more than I expected, in a good way. It was great to see the fans going crazy.

Forward Kenwyne Jones

Should it have been a penalty from the push on his back?

Definitely think so [laughs]. Obviously the main thing was to come out there and get some minutes to try and work on combinations, as well as fitness. I think for the teams that went out there, first half and second half, we did well.

How he feels like he played today

I felt quite good. It's the first official preseason match. And gaining 45 minutes is welcome. It's been three weeks for us and it's just about continuing to work hard. We have quite a few games coming up in the 10 next days or so. So we just need to continue to work and get the base fitness until the season starts.

How he feels like the style of play is coming along?

I think it's pretty natural for the combination of players that we have here. We have players from different leagues and also from different countries. So far, I think we've been working pretty well and the combinations have been pretty good. And it's only going to get stronger.

How he feels after tough first three weeks of preseason and how he feels to play in first game for Atlanta United

Preseason is meant to be intense. You have to put in that base fitness in there before you start. We've had a decent two weeks in Bradenton, and another week back at home and it's been going well.

It's a pleasure to play the first game. I want to say thank you to the fans who came out to support. And hopefully it's only going to get bigger and bigger in the season.

How do you build chemistry so quick?

It's just about spending time at training. As I said, we have players from every corner of the world with different experiences in soccer leagues. It's just about that experience - soccer is one language. Once you have that understanding of the game, it's easy to start working with that. It's a new experience for a lot of the younger players, I'm sure, but I'm pretty happy with how the group has been working. From here on in, it's just about getting stronger fitness wise.

Defender Mark Bloom

What was the key to finding success down the right side in the second half?

I think as the half went on, that right half, especially, opened up for us. We were able to switch the ball and get into the attack on that side. We did well. I thought the movement was good. I thought the runs were good, off of the ball. Everything was working for us, I thought.

If him and Andrew Carleton had worked a lot together in preseason since they look in sync tonight

Honestly, I think that was the first time we played together. Yeah, we've been working together as a team and everyone understands what we need to do. I thought it did come together nicely, so it was good.

What was reaction when you heard you were coming home to play in Atlanta?

Shock. After the expansion draft, I kind of tuned out because I figured I was staying in Toronto. Then I got the call that I had been traded. It was kind of a mix of emotions because I love Toronto, but I got to come home. That was great for me, my family and my career.

How much confidence should the guys take out of winning a preseason match?

You take it in stride really. It's really a match to get fitness. It's match to work on things that we've been working on in training. It's a stepping stone. So no game is a bad game at this point. It's just good to get minutes and get time on the field together.

Midfielder Yamil Asad (through translator)

Describe your first goal

I think it was a fast play, I just had time to control it and shoot.

And the second goal?

The first goal was a fast play by Miguel and Tito, I think it was a great play by Miguel.

And the second goal was a play where I received the ball and just controlled and shot.

His opinion on the game, how it felt to play for Atlanta

Good, the initial thought it that the team met expectations. We were able to make some plays and control the ball.

What were the expectations?

The expectations were to get minutes, prepare for the season, and win, which is important.

On what it's like playing for Tata

I think the team is coming together, everything is new, and by March 5 we'll arrive with a clear idea.

On midfielders as a group

Good, we had some errors and bad passes but that's normal in the preseason. I think in general the team did fine.

On having other South American players around to help adjusting to Atlanta

In Argentina the game is dynamic, a lot of pace, and little time because they pressure a lot, and I think Tata and us want to bring that here to the MLS.

On younger players

They're players with a great future, a lot of potential, and us, the older guys, are here to support them as players and people.

On getting to know Atlanta

Yeah, without a doubt. Since the first minute I arrived, the city seemed wonderful and the truth is that me and the other guys are happy and excited to stay here.

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