Set Pieces and Aerial Dominance Carry Atlanta United 2 Past Toronto 1-0

As the final whistle sounded at the Jack Tuner Soccer Complex in Athens, GA, solidifying Atlanta United 2's 1-0 win over Toronto FC II, the teams partook in the 4th of July spirit and ended the night with a small fireworks show, as is tradition on such a day. Toronto players attempted to confront Atlanta's Matthew Senanou and Mohamed Cisset before officials and teammates stepped in. All told, the show lasted only a minute or two, rather disappointing given that it was a milestone birthday for the country, but no harm was done as patrons' attention could then turn upward to catch the first blooms of the many fireworks that would erupt in the Georgia night sky that night.

Why was Toronto so frustrated? Let's break it down, shall we?

Dominik Chong Qui continued his strong play in MLS NEXT Pro last night. (photo: ATLUTD)

The unhappiness stemmed from a match where Toronto FC II found it very difficult to get forward and generate chances. Right from the opening kickoff, Atlanta United 2 controlled possession. Outside runs by Cameron Dunbar and Dominik Chong Qui were causing real issues for TFC II, as they were clearly uncomfortable defending facing their own net. This resulted in several unconvincing clearances over the end line generating set piece opportunities for Atlanta. One of these set pieces created the first real look at goal for the 2s as a recycled corner found the head of Arif Kovac, but he was unable to direct it on goal as the ball was slightly long. This turned out to be a warning shot, as it became increasingly clear as the first half went on that Toronto was vulnerable in the air, with Atlanta winning aerials with far more regularity and authority. In addition to the continual set pieces (Atlanta had four corners in the first ten minutes and finished the night with ten), the strategic pressing by the 2s was proving to be a nuisance for Toronto, as they continually gave the ball away in dangerous areas. This led to several medium quality shots from in and around the 18 yard box, with the most dangerous coming from Chong Qui about eight yards out, forcing a nice save by TFC II goalkeeper Adisa De Rosario.

Due to Toronto's inability to play through Atlanta United 2, most of the pass attempts were long balls over the top that rarely connected. In fact, Toronto barely had any possession in the final or even middle third in the first half, as the Peachtree Press was not allowing for any territory to be gained on the ground. In contrast, Atlanta United 2 was moving the ball with calculated efficiency. Not as run and gun as previous matches, but with an emphasis on being methodical and intentional as they picked their moments. This allowed them to create undesirable situations for Toronto's back line, whether it was by land or air through Dunbar and Daniel Chica, who was proving to be a real aerial threat.

Atlanta celebrates the winning gaol from Daniel Chica. (photo: ATLUTD)

The dam broke in the 32nd minute when a long throw opportunity found the head of Chica after a beautiful flick-on by Senanou. Chica's header beat De Rosario and gave the hosts the lead.

The throw in came from a recycled set piece where Toronto could not clear the ball and retain possession, and they were punished.

Coming out of the break, Toronto FC II began to find some rhythm in possession, and passing in their own half and through the midfield looked far more routine than the first half. They were finding some success in switching the play, intending to stretch Atlanta horizontally and set up through ball opportunities between Atlanta's center backs Senanou and Cisset. This had slight success, culminating in a nice run forward by Luca Costabile, who eventually wound up putting one on net that forced a quality save from Jonathan Ransom for Atlanta.

Even though Toronto was growing into the game, Atlanta was proving more and more content to sit back in possession and force Toronto to play through them, which they had not done all night. Toronto's chances were limited to counterattacks following Atlanta turnovers at the halfway line and the occasional successful long ball that connected. Their best chance of the game came in the 77th minute when a recycled corner found Dekwon Barrow four yards out and forced a fantastic point blank save from Ransom.

That would be as close as TFC II came all night, as the match really slowed down in the final ten minutes as Atlanta was trying to rock it over the finish line. Most of the play by this point was between the boxes, with the 2s holding a disciplined shape and not really giving up anything in the form of space or time. It was a rather textbook display of how to put a game on ice, and Atlanta was rewarded for their efforts with the win and clean sheet. This boosts their record to 8-5-3-0, jumping all the way up to 7th in the East by the end of the night. The 2s will close out the homestand on Saturday, July 11th, where they'll face an Inter Miami II team that has not won a game in regulation all season. It will be a great opportunity to build on a solid defensive performance and generate some positive momentum heading into the latter stages of the season.