Quentin Westberg said the best way he can help Atlanta United in Saturday’s game at Toronto is by being himself.
Westberg, an MLS veteran with 68 starts, will start for the Five Stripes (4-1-2) for the first time in place of Brad Guzan, who suffered a torn MCL in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at NYCFC.
“Just bring 18-19 years of experience, different clubs and others, it’s all about adaptability,” he said. “Also, it’s understanding your environment, being the best version of yourself.”
There will be a few things working in Westberg’s and Atlanta United’s favor Saturday.
First, Westberg knows BMO Field well from his four years at Toronto. It was the first reason given by manager Gonzalo Pineda on Thursday when asked how Westberg will help the team win.
“It’s probably the stadium I know the most in MLS,” Westberg said. “So obviously the environment won’t be that new or exceptional to me.”
Second, Westberg is good with the ball at his feet, which is a necessary skill in Pineda system. Westberg said it was the first question he asked when talking with Atlanta United about joining as a free agent. His passing percentages ranged between 66.8% and 75.8% with Toronto. To compare, Guzan’s have ranged from 68.6 to 78.2.
“I obviously love that modern part of the goalkeeper,” Westberg said. “I really, I really like it. And I think it’s one of the reasons I’m here. Also, because in the past, especially in my first two years in Toronto, we were playing out of the back a lot. We were using me a lot. And earlier in my career, I was part of a team that played a lot. And I was, despite my age, very comfortable. And this is how I was brought up.”
Before joining Toronto in 2019, Westberg played for Auxerre in his native France. Before that, he played for Es Troyes AC, where he came through its youth system, and Luzenac.
His soccer journey has parallels to Guzan’s, which was something Westberg noted Friday. Both players came up through their domestic leagues before going overseas. Guzan started at Chivas USA before going to England to play for Aston Villa, among other clubs.
“He has some experience, a lot of experience, in Europe, “Pineda said. “And he’s a solid replacement for Brad. Like, you can see the leadership that Brad brings and all that, but he has some composure in his game that I think is going to help the team to solve some problems. And we’re confident in him.”
Lastly, Westberg will benefit from having a stable defense in front of him. Centerbacks Miles Robinson and JuanJo Purata and right fullback Brooks Lennon have started each of the first seven games. Atlanta United posted two clean sheets and has allowed 10 goals, six from one game.
“Chemistry is very important,” Westberg said. “Whether it’s in training, and obviously you develop it in game where it’s a little bit more challenging, but this is what preseason was here for. You need to understand that you need to sync and you need to connect with the guys in front of you, whether it’s in training, whether it’s in the locker room, it’s all over place. So that connection on the field, for sure is very important. And you develop it by playing 90 minutes and official games and more difficult or challenging situations.”
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Atlanta United’s 2023 MLS schedule
Feb. 25 Atlanta United 2, San Jose Earthquakes 1
March 4 Atlanta United 1, Toronto FC 1
March 11 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte FC 0
March 18 Atlanta United 5, Portland 1
March 25 Columbus 6, Atlanta United 1
April 1 Atlanta United 1, New York Red Bulls 0
April 8 Atlanta United 1, New York City FC 1
April 15 at Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m.
April 23 vs. Chicago Fire FC, 4:30 p.m., FS1
April 29 at Nashville SC, 1:30 p.m., Fox
May 6 at Inter Miami CF, 7:30 p.m.
May 13 vs. Charlotte FC, 7:30 p.m.
May 17 vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30 p.m.
May 20 at Chicago Fire FC, 8:30 p.m.
May 27 at Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m.
May 31 vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m., FS1
June 3 at Los Angeles FC, 10:30 p.m.
June 10 vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
June 21 vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m.
June 24 at New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.
July 2 vs. Philadelphia Union, 4 p.m., Fox
July 8 at CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
July 12 at New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.
July 15 vs. Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m., FS1
Aug. 20 at Seattle Sounders, 10:30 p.m.
Aug. 26 vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 30 vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 2 at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 vs. Inter Miami CF, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 at FC Cincinnati, TBA
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