Bridgeview, IL-One thing for the Chicago Fire, each match shows signs of improvement. But what happened in a matter of minutes changed the outcome of what could’ve been a pretty good night against one of the best clubs in the Eastern Conference.
Chicago had an evenly played contest until they gave up a pair of goals just four minutes apart which enabled Atlanta United FC to walk away with a 2-1 victory at Toyota Park on Saturday night.
“We had a good second half except the two situations,” Chicago Fire coach Veljko Paunovic said. “The two details that decided the game. The first one where the moment that the game breaks down and the game opens. That moment we conceded another goal right after. It’s something that we can’t allow. At that moment our mentality wasn’t at its best. We need to work and fix that.
“At this moment we need everyone’s effort and everyone to deepen with support and confidence with the teammates sticking together and to support each other. We keep growing despite the loss. I see my team every time getting better and better.”
Atlanta United got its goals from Ezequiel Barco in the 53rd minute followed by Josef Martinez in the 57th. Both of them broke down the Fire’s defense.
One noticeable view from the Fire was that Bastian Schweinsteiger wasn’t playing on the back line in this match. He was pushed up more in the midfield and used enhancing the offensive attack
‘I wouldn’t give any opinion of our defense,” Paunovic added. “I speak about the defense, no matter who plays, the whole team defends. The first half we were very settled. A team that was very difficult to break. But the second half, things happen and we kind of dropped our cautiousness and at that moment (Atlanta United FC) scored a goal. They have quality and you can never drop or lose their awareness of them and that’s what happened.”
The two breakdowns in the back were caused by the Fire’s defense having a lapse but at the same time, Atlanta United FC took advantage with its dangerous offensive attack ability.
“Our defense has improved,” Chicago Fire goalkeeper Richard Sanchez said. “In the back were stronger mentally and physically strong. As games go by we feel better and better and it shows in the games.”
On the defensive side, Brandon Vincent saw what the Fire was doing for most of the match but in a short period of time, the match went in favor of Atlanta United FC.
“They had two quality passes and two quality finishes,” Vincent said. “They found a way to split our lines. We kept them quiet for most of the game but in those moments they were better.”
Chicago suffered what was one of those hard-luck losses, but with every match, the team finds a way to bounce back with its competitive schedule.
Chicago Fire
Atlanta United FC
