Three points. That’s the bottom line for Atlanta United. Every player and coach will tell you that, but that doesn’t mean they’re ignoring the finer details of their dramatic 3-2 win over CF Montréal. With another huge clash on the horizon, the 5-Stripes are locked in on sharpening their game.
That’s what training and film sessions are for—breaking down performances, reinforcing what works, and fine-tuning those habits for matchdays.
A Training Ground Turned Sound Booth
Tuesday’s session at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground wasn’t just about drills; it was loud. Really loud. Ronny Deila had his squad running passing exercises while shouting commands to teammates—turn, pass, move! It wasn’t just about footwork; it was about communication.
And that’s exactly what center-back Stian Gregersen homed in on when reflecting on the two goals Atlanta conceded on Saturday. It’s not just about positioning—it’s about making sure your teammate actually hears you. Easier said than done with over 65,000 ATLiens shaking the stands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“It’s difficult when it’s 60,000,” Gregersen admitted. “You have to scream high, loud. [Someone could] stand three meters next to you and he didn’t hear. We have to still have this communication.”
Atlanta’s defensive breakdown on Montréal’s first goal wasn’t about numbers—it was about marking. Two defenders covering one attacker left Nathan Saliba wide open at the back post. A simple fix? Maybe. But it starts with more talking, more organization, and better discipline.
“We were a little bit open in the middle,” Gregersen said. “We have to stay more compact. If we can work with that, it will be much, much better.”
High Pressure, High Energy—But Can They Sustain It?
Atlanta came out flying in the first half, pressing hard and winning the ball back quickly. But sustaining that intensity? That’s the challenge.
“First half was top,” Gregersen said. “But we always want to go and put pressure on them. That maybe punished us a little bit in the second half because we did that every time, and then everyone was a little bit tired.”
The result? Montréal dominated possession late and finished with a higher xG (2.20 to Atlanta’s 1.35). Deila and his staff know that as fitness improves and defensive structure tightens, those late-game lapses should fade.
Competition is Fueling the 5-Stripes
It’s not just the starters making an impact. The depth of this squad is pushing everyone to be better, and the offseason additions are already paying dividends.
“The biggest difference from last year is that we have a much more competitive team now,” Gregersen noted. “You see Edwin [Mosquera] coming in, he scored an amazing goal. We have more people who can come in and change the game, and that will be important in the long term.”
And speaking of young talent, Matt Edwards made the most of his first-ever start with the first team. The homegrown midfielder played with confidence beyond his years.
“He was fearless,” Gregersen said. “He’s a young guy who wants to learn and wants to listen. If he continues like that, he will play in a big league in the future.”
Next Up: A Derby Showdown in Charlotte
With the season opener in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on Saturday’s clash against Charlotte FC. It’s Atlanta United’s first road test of the year, and they’ll need to be sharp against a physical opponent.
How does the defense plan to handle the imposing Patrick Agyemang? Gregersen kept it simple—and a little bit funny.
“We have to be tight with him, one in behind and one in front,” he said. “With a guy like that, we have to be like a sandwich to have better control.”
Add in the potential presence of Wilfried Zaha, and Atlanta’s backline will have their hands full. But Gregersen embraces the challenge.
“We have to focus on what we’re going to perform,” he said. “Of course, it’s a derby … it’s a little bit extra for us also to play against them. That kind of game, I love it.”
Atlanta United is working to restore its championship standard, and Saturday’s win was a solid first step. But Gregersen knows there’s more to come.
“First game, most important is winning,” he said. “I think it was a very entertaining game for the public, but we want to control more of the game.”
The journey continues on Saturday. The 5-Stripes are just getting started.
