Written by Brian Pohl
Atlanta, GA- The disappointing start to the season continues for Atlanta United as they fall 2-1 to FC Dallas to remain winless at home in 2019.
Atlanta United head coach Frank de Boer on the loss, “I think we [took] two steps forward today. Not with the result, of course, very disappointed, but I was proud of the intensity and how we played.” He continued, “when we play with this intensity and quality that we showed on the field, the points will come.”
The Five Stripes really tried to ramp up the offensive pressure from the opening touch, controlling the ball for 71% of the match. This cost Atlanta early because it left them susceptible in a counter attack, which Dallas capitalized early on with a goal in the fifth minute to grab a 1-0 lead.
From that point on, Atlanta really tried all they could to be aggressive and even up the score, but were unable to get on the board until they were rewarded a penalty kick during final stoppage time.
Totaling 22 shots in the match, almost tripling Dallas’ eight attempts, the Five Stripes had plenty of looks, but ultimately couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities tonight. Attempt after attempt, Atlanta were unable to find the net, with the ball either being saved by Dallas’ Jesse Gonzalez, missing off target, or banging off one of the posts. Fans will be upset with the lack of results, but this was the most aggressive Atlanta has been under the new regime and sometimes matches like this happen where things don’t go their way.
Frank de Boer on his team’s offensive performance and effort, “I think this was our best performance by far, what we saw.” He continued, “I think this is what we want, dominate and creating chances.”
The goals will come, Frank de Boar says, but the new head coach of Atlanta United also stated that he cannot make the goals himself, and his team will need to capitalize on their created chances if they are going to be successful.
The match remained 1-0 until late in regulation, where once again Dallas was able to score on a counter. In the 84th minute, Michael Barrios found a streaking Bryan Acosta on a cross, which Acosta buried past Atlanta Goal Keeper Brad Guzan to take a 2-0 lead in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta would try and make a late push in stoppage time, as Josef Martinez gave the Five Stripes their lone goal on a penalty kick after Brek Shea was fouled inside the box. Atlanta United would run out of time, however, as full time was called shortly after the Martinez goal.
It’s been a rough start to the Frank de Boer era in Atlanta, as they fall to 1-3-2 to start the 2019 campaign after tonight’s loss. I believe tonight showed improvement, however, in the team’s creativeness and execution on the offensive side of the ball. They are close, but fans are beginning to grow impatient watching their team struggle after winning the MLS Cup just last season. Atlanta needs to right the ship, and right it quickly, to hold off the number of restless fans that is beginning to grow.
Atlanta will try once again to end their losing streak at home next Saturday, as they take on the Colorado Rapids from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with first touch at 6:00 p.m.
