Brad Guzan reveals what went wrong in Atlanta United's 1-0 defeat to Columbus Crew

Atlanta United goalkeeper and club captain Brad Guzan went into detail about how his side were narrowly defeated by reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew in the first game of the season.

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 think we have them on the left side of the field. We could have gotten closer there, then they hit the diagonal ball to the other side. We are probably a little bit late getting out on the two-v-one situation and they slot the ball down the channel," Guzan said after the game.

"They have two guys, maybe three, I haven’t watched the film yet, in the box and at that moment we have our center backs and Caleb (Wiley) in the middle and Cucho (Hernandez) comes on the far post. I try to make a play on it knowing the two attackers in the center of the box can certainly make a play on it. It’s a bang, bang play and that moment Cucho is on the back side."

The 39-year-old believes Atlanta were up to the task in the second half, and the box score backs that up, too. The visitors recorded 60% possession after the restart along with seven shots and one big chance created.

"I think for sure we took care of the ball better," said Guzan. "We were loose with the ball in first half. We weren’t able to connect the second or third ball going forward. That allowed them to create more and more pressure. But in the second half, I thought we did a much better job with that."

The former Aston Villa shot-stopper admitted that it was disappointing to leave the game with nothing after their much-improved second half.

"Listen, at halftime we knew we had to keep going. We needed to be better on the ball, we were in second half. They are a good team. But we had enough opportunities to get something from the game," he said.

"When you look back on it, the disappointment is there because we had the opportunity to get something from the game. Whether its a point, or if you even go on to win the game. A loss certainly leaves a bitter taste in your mouth after the performance in the second half."

The Five Stripes will have a week off from MLS action, allowing the likes of Stian Gregersen, Bartosz Slisz and Derrick Williams to fully integrate into the group ahead of their March 9 clash with New England Revolution at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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