If only Atlanta United could have scored one goal against Club America was a part of Frank de Boer’s lament after Wednesday’s 3-0 loss at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal series.
Now, in a second leg scheduled for March 18 at Kennesaw State that has since been postponed, Atlanta United must do something that it's never done: rally from a three-goal deficit.
“If we score one we have some hope, but 3-0 is very difficult,” de Boer said.
This is the sixth time that Atlanta United has trailed by at least three goals. It is 0-5-0 in those situations.
Atlanta United was undone Wednesday by three goals: a wonder strike from Leo Suarez, followed by Henry Martin connecting to a simple through pass and a header by Bruno Valdez on a corner kick.
That the team changed its style from a pressing, attacking team to one that tried to sit back and play deeper didn’t help. De Boer said the decision was his and was made to try to help the team overcome the altitude, effects of playing just a few days earlier, and a roster thinned by injuries. He said playing its normal way would have been impossible for 90 minutes because of those factors.
But after falling behind 3-0, de Boer changed the formation from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 and instructed the players to press all over the field. The offense came to life. Pity Martinez twice hit the crossbar with shots. Atlanta United finished the game with more shots on goal (7-5), won more duels (40-33) and had as many key passes (11-11).
“I saw a disappointing first half and very positive things in the second half,” de Boer said.
With the team back in Atlanta for the second leg, it’s a tactic that the team can use for all 90 minutes.
“They had a lot of problems with that,” he said.
Atlanta United may also be helped by the return of two injured players. De Boer mentioned the possibility of centerbacks Miles Robinson (quad) and Franco Escobar (dead leg) joining the team. Matheus Rossetto suffered a left ankle injury Wednesday. A diagnosis has not been provided.
“We are going to try to do our best,” de Boer said. “We have to be realistic. It’s not an easy task for us.”
Atlanta United when trailing by at least three goals
March 11, 2020 at Club America (behind 3-0, lost 3-0)
Sept. 25, 2019 at NYCFC (behind 3-0, lost 4-1)
July 26, 2019 at LAFC (behind 4-1, lost 4-3)
July 3, 2019 at Chicago (behind 5-0, lost 5-1)
March 6, 2019 at Monterrey (behind 3-0, lost 3-0)
March 3, 2018 at Houston (behind 4-0, lost 4-0)
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