Gonzalo Pineda admits Atlanta United 'lacked security in possession' in loss to Columbus Crew

Atlanta United's 2024 MLS campaign began with a 1-0 defeat to reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew in a rematch of the first round of last year's playoffs.

Despite having 52% possession during the clash of the Eastern Conference giants, the Five Stripes were unable to create any quality chances in the first half. The second half, however, was a different story as Atlanta started to get back into the contest, but the hosts managed to hold on for a narrow 1-0 triumph after Brad Guzan saved Chucho Hernandez's penalty attempt.

Atlanta will hope to start games on the right foot in coming weeks, as the previous season saw them start matches slow before growing into the game late on. With the likes of New England Revolution and Orlando City coming to town soon, the Five Stripes can't afford to get behind early against the conference's top teams.

"I think the pressing moments were very good. We were pressing Columbus pretty good I thought. But we were not connecting the passes. We were lacking that security in possession for a big longer. Often we disrupted their buildup very well," Atlanta head coach Gonzalo Pineda said after the game.

"For example, the goalkeeper gives the ball to Bartek (Slisz) and he tries to shoot right away. If he has a bit more composure in that moment, maybe he still attempts the shot but if not we could start a possession sequence there."

Pineda explained that he saw a different Atlanta side in the second half -- one that was able to retain possession more and put together quality attacking movements.

"In the second half, once we started to secure the ball and have possession, we started to active our wingers and look more dangerous. Then we started to have control of the game more, which was one of the main emphasis of halftime. Try to get more control of the game," he said.

Pineda will be eager for his side to get back on the pitch and earn their first victory of the season. But Atlanta doesn't play again until Matchday 3 -- March 9 -- when they play host to the Revs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Pineda added that while he would like his team to create rhythm in the early parts of the season by playing each week, he also realized that the week off will new signings and players that joined the preseason camp late more time to train with the team.

"Of course, having some rhythm helps. At the same time, we didn’t have Thiago (Almada) for any of the preseason matches, so we will have some time for him to know the teammates around him better. It’s also better for Bartek and Stian (Gregersen) to have more time with the team ... But we will use these two weeks to be prepared for the next two home matches."

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