The Five Stripes were unable to generate any kind of attacking momentum in the first half, totaling just one shot in 45 minutes played at Lower.com Field. Columbus, however amassed an xG of 1.00 on 12 total shots, and their perseverance was rewarded just inside the half-hour mark when Cucho Hernandez arrived at the back post to score the game-winning goal.
“I believe they are on the field’s left side. There, we had a chance to go closer before they struck the ball diagonally to the opposite side. After the game, Guzan commented, “I think we were a little slow to recognise the two-on-one opportunity and they slid the ball down the channel.”
“They have two, possibly three people in the box; I haven’t seen the movie yet. At that point, we have our centre backs, with Cucho Hernandez coming on the far post and Caleb (Wiley) in the middle. I attempt to play it knowing that the two attackers in the middle of the box will undoubtedly be able to do so. That play is explosive, and that moment Cucho is on the back side.”
The 39-year-old thinks Atlanta was capable of winning in the second half, and the box score confirms his assessment. After the restart, the visitors had 60% of the possession, seven shots, and one significant opportunity created.
We definitely took better care of the ball, in my opinion,” Guzan added. “In the first half, we were careless with the ball. Moving forward, we were unable to connect with the second or third ball. They were able to increase the pressure as a result. However, I felt we handled that far better in the second half.”
After their somewhat better second half, the former Aston Villa goalkeeper acknowledged that it was frustrating to end the game empty-handed.
“Listen, we knew at halftime that we had to continue. We were in the second half, and we needed to play better with the ball. They make a strong group. However, we had enough of chances to benefit from the game,” he remarked.
“When you reflect on it, you see how disappointed we were as we could have gained something from the game. whether it’s a point or if the game is ultimately won. A defeat undoubtedly leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth following the second half of play.”
The Five Stripes will take a week off from Major League Soccer play to enable players like Derrick Williams, Bartosz Slisz, and Stian Gregersen to completely acclimatise to the team before their match against the New England Revolution on March 9 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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