After going to California to match up against the MLS Western Conference leading Los Angeles Galaxy, Atlanta United are back at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground to prepare for their next match. They will be going back on the road to face regional rival Charlotte FC on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Following training on Tuesday, defender Derrick Williams and homegrown midfielder Ajani Fortune spoke with local media on the takeaways from the match against LA Galaxy and the importance of getting three points against Charlotte FC.
Derrick Williams
Almost three weeks separated Atlanta’s final match in Leagues Cup and their return to MLS action last weekend. On Saturday, the 5-Stripes looked refreshed and challenged L.A. Galaxy until the 76th minute when the home side broke through. Galaxy addition Marco Rues who made his presence known during the game, contributing a goal and assist in his MLS debut.
Derrick Williams, a mainstay on Atlanta’s backline, spoke about how well he thought the team looked in the first 60 minutes of the match. Williams remarked that he felt like the first half reminded him of Atlanta’s 3-1 victory over Miami back in May. The club is looking to pull the positives from that road match against Los Angeles and apply them going forward.
“I thought we looked dangerous. They didn’t look like they were going to break us down, and we were catching them under the counterattack. Hopefully, we can apply that to Charlotte.”
Atlanta United have already seen Charlotte once this season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Back on June 2, they played one of the strongest first halves of the season. A goal, awarded after VAR confirmation, turned the momentum of the match in favor of Charlotte.
“The goal gave them life,” Williams said. “Thinking back, I think we could have had three or four goals in the first half. Second half, we came out and they made adjustments. They were pressing high, and we have to be aware of that.”
Jay Fortune
One of the bright spots of the match against Galaxy was the play of midfielder Jay Fortune. The Homegrown has now played 19 games for Atlanta, six of them starts. Fortune, who told local media that he played striker growing up, showed flashes of his offensive skills during the match on Saturday. Committed to continuing his strong play of late, he knows how important the rivalry against Charlotte is – a “dog fight” as he called it.
“I think we both know it’s a big game for both of us,” said Fortune. “It’s a derby that both teams are going to want to win. They’re at home; they’re going to put everything into the game. It is important to we start with intensity.”
The 5-Stripes have eight games left in the regular season, including Saturday at Charlotte, and are currently fighting for a playoff spot.
Fans not attending the match in Charlotte can catch the action MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. As well as listening on local radio 92.9 The Game and La Mejor.
