As the players look ahead to their upcoming match against Minnesota United, it’s hard not to reminisce on the team’s first ever win.
“It was huge,” Jeff Larentowicz told reporters Wednesday. “It showed to a new team that had never won before that they can win. Going on the road and winning, in those conditions, winning the way we did, against the other expansion team. There were a lot of things that played into that. It was important for the start of the year for us.”
The seven-goal thriller will always be a good memory for Atlanta United fans. But while the players acknowledged the importance of getting that first win, they also kept things in perspective: whether you score six goals or one, you only get three points for a win. And they know full well that a year can change a lot in Major League Soccer.
“It was a fantastic performance, but that’s in the past now,” said Chris McCann. “It’s another chapter, it’s not going to be as easy as last year. They’ve improved massively as a squad and they’ve brought in some good players. So it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it.”
There will be one major similarity this year to last year’s matchup: the weather. While the blizzard conditions aren’t expected this time around, temperatures expected in the teens will make for a harsh environment for the Five Stripes. But they’re not deterred.
“It’s part of the culture up there, it’s just who they are and what they like and what they thrive in as a community up there,” Larentowicz said. [Last year] was a unique situation, but it’ll be cold on Saturday again. You just have to mentally prepare yourself, tell yourself it’s going to be cold and get on with it.”
“It doesn’t really matter to me where we play,” McCann added. “We still have to go play a game. We played in snow last year and in blazing heat, you’ve got to play your game and do your job. As professionals we have to prepare mentally the best way we possibly can.”
While the forecast could present a unique challenge, the Atlanta United players know they aren’t playing against the weather. There’s a formidable foe lining up across the field, with the Loons sitting one point off first place in the Western Conference.
“We want to go up there and put on a good performance,” McCann said. “It’d be nice to score six again, but I doubt it will be that easy this time. We’re expecting a tough game, I’m sure they’ll give it us. But we’ve got two wins in a row now, we’re confident and hopefully we can go up there and take the three points.”
With Atlanta United looking to build on their early-season momentum and Minnesota looking for revenge for last year’s matchup in Minneapolis, this clash of the 2017 expansion sides is one you won’t want to miss. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST, with the match set to be broadcast on FOX Sports South. Click here for everything you need to know to tune in.
