From Soft to Nasty: Matt Edwards and the Defensive Identity Atlanta United Wants to Become
- Jason Longshore
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Preseason in Florida is rarely about speeches. It is about repetition, fatigue, and the slow construction of habits that will surface months later under pressure. But in our interview with Atlanta United defender Matt Edwards, one word kept resurfacing in different forms, from the back line to the desired identity of the team in 2026.
Nasty.
Not reckless. Not chaotic. Nasty as in aggressive. Nasty as in confrontational. A team that makes every yard difficult and every touch uncomfortable.
For Edwards, that word is not marketing language. It is the point.
“As nasty as possible,” Edwards said when asked what identity this team wants in 2026. “We want to be a team that no one wants to play against.”
That idea runs directly through the spine of Atlanta United’s preseason. Under Tata Martino, the emphasis is not only on shape or build-up patterns, but on mentality. How quickly defenders close space. How decisively they step into duels. How often they win first contact.
Last season, Edwards admits, too many of those moments went the other way.
“A lot of the goals we conceded last year were silly mistakes or just not being tough enough,” he said. “Sometimes we were too soft. Especially at home, we need to set that idea again and make the Benz a fortress.”
The word “soft” is not one players often use publicly. Edwards did not hesitate.
In training this week, the coaching staff has leaned heavily into aggression as a tactical principle. Not just in pressing triggers, but in body shape, timing, and reading the game a fraction earlier.
“Definitely being more aggressive,” Edwards said. “A lot of it’s about reading the game faster, positioning your body better, and being tougher in those moments.”
He was even more blunt about his own goals.
“My personal thing is just be a little more nasty,” he said. “Kick players more, be a little more dirty, because it gets in the head of attackers. You gain that advantage.”
It is a revealing line. This is not about fouling for fouling’s sake. It is about imposing presence. About winning the psychological battle with the opponent.
That mentality ties directly into another piece of the identity shift Atlanta United is trying to build: celebrating the work that defenders do.
Goals energize crowds. But blocks, tackles, clearances, and last-ditch interventions shape belief.
“I value blocking a shot just as important as scoring,” Edwards said. “That’s what I like to do. I like to defend.”
For a team trying to redefine who it is, that matters. Energy is contagious. Defensive pride is visible.
When asked what matters most in rebuilding this team’s identity, Edwards went straight to those moments.
“It starts on the field," he said. "Last-ditch tackles. Putting your body on the line for the badge. Celebrate every action. Show that you care.”
Then the line that lingers.
“You’re not just here to collect a paycheck. You’re here to fight for something.”
Inside that team-first narrative sits Edwards’ own quieter battle.
Last season ended with injury and frustration. A hamstring issue cost him rhythm and opportunity. This preseason, health is the foundation of everything for him.
“I really, really want to be healthy this year,” he said. “I’ve taken being a pro to another level.”
Beyond fitness, there is a mental evolution as well. Edwards spoke repeatedly about learning to stay level-headed through highs and lows.
“When I’m positive and vocal, I usually play the best,” he said. “Not overthink how people view you. You can get caught in your own head.”
That personal growth mirrors the team’s larger reset. Fewer swings. More consistency. More edge.
By opening day, Atlanta United may still be refining patterns and partnerships. But if Edwards is right, one thing should already be clear.
This team wants to be difficult.
Difficult to play through.
Difficult to dribble past.
Difficult to feel comfortable against.
Not flashy. Not soft.
Nasty.
Comments