Nashville SC spoils Pineda’s debut with Atlanta United
ATLANTA, GA—Atlanta United head coach Gonzalo Pineda kicked off his tenure with a disappointing 0-2 loss at home to Nashville SC. Nashville executed a solid defensive approach, combined with the goal in first-half stoppage was enough to take all three points on the road for the first time this season. Here are a few key takeaways from a frustrating afternoon at Mercedes Benz stadium.
Marcelino Moreno has been one of the best Atlanta United players this season.
First, the Atlanta United attack was neutralized and looked toothless in attack. Only two of the ten shots taken in the match were on target, each from attacker midfielders Ezequiel Barco and Luiz Araújo. The offense looked stagnant with a lot of possession without much threat of scoring, zero big chances, and an xG rating of only 0.7.
g+ GameFlow: MLS Regular Season @ATLUTD v @NashvilleSC on August 28, 2021. #UniteAndConquer #SomosAtlanta #EveryoneN #TodosUnidos #ATLvNSH pic.twitter.com/ewI39pahT2
— GameFlow (@GameFlowxPG) August 29, 2021
Second, the formation created a lot of space and disconnection. Pineda did adjust in the second half to move away from the three in the backline to a four-man backline. The change did improve the cohesion and movement from defense into attack. With the lack of depth in the mid-field, it is a tough spot for the club. The loss of Santigo Sosa creates a lot of issues.
Finally, while it is a frustrating match and a disappointing result right at the international break, Pineda has some time to make the needed adjustments. With twelve days until the next match, there is time to change and build chemistry with newcomer Luiz Araújo and the other offensive weapons.
Newcomer Luiz Araújo looks to find his offensive rhythm since transferring to Atlanta United this summer.
For more images from the match check out the photo gallery by Prost Amerika photographer Jim Stapp here.
