On a night of many corner kicks and aggressive play by both sides, Atlanta United struck with less than two minutes remaining in time added on to steal a 1-0 win over DC United.
Several things stood out in DC’s play as they continue to show the team-centered philosophy of coach Hernan Losada. The center midfielders, Sofiane Djeffal, Chris Durkin, and Russell Canouse had the responsibility to cover as Andy Najar and Julian Gressel often both moved into attack on the right. This covered for a weakness noticed in DC’s last two games as the trio maintained an internal triangle to hold overlapping counters down DC’s right flank in check. Najar’s offensive style, shown in the photo, is part of needed creativity in DC’s attack but presents the dilemma above.
Throughout the game, every player was active in defense, gang pressing to pry the ball from Atlanta. In transition to offense, DC’s players made incisive runs which were too often honored with passes which missed their mark. The pressing style in both defense and attack requires quick decision making and execution. That led to a higher risk-benefit ratio which was not converted into goals.
DC United must rely on concerted effort to overcome a lack of talented finishers in order to score. They failed to convert ten corner kicks only to see Atlanta succeed late in the game on their fourth attempt.
There were three impressive performances, among them the expected greatness of keeper Bill Hamid. Nigel Robertha was a constant thorn in Atlanta’s side as he held the ball against multiple opponents and often beat them to get passes to teammates. The other standout was Djeffal who plays in the style of former DC great Richie Williams.
The rookie was a constant pest, nipping at his opponents’ heels and earning comparison to Williams who was known as ABMOD, ankle biting midget of death. He earned a caution for his efforts and may need to show a bit more subtlety to remain on the field in the future.
The allowance for five substitutes may work to DC’s advantage over the long season as the team has good depth at the forward and midfield positions. Up front, Robertha, Michael Estrada, Ola Kamara, and Griffin Yow should be bolstered by new DP Taxiarchas Fountas. Unless Taxi adds more punch, the front will remain only competent but not as threatening as the team will need.
In midfield, Djeffal, Gressel, Durkin, Canouse, Brad Smith, Drew Skundrich, and Edison Flores provide similar competent depth which the flexibility and high work rate that Losada’s style demands. Still, creativity seems lacking and will have to be addressed.
Fortunately, Losada has two weeks of training to prepare for visiting Austin FC, hopefully with the introduction of Fountas.
