The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Defenders plot strategy
Allowing five goals in four exhibitions shows there’s work to be done.
Those who likely will start in Atlanta United’s defense, the fullbacks, center halves and goalkeeper, are as experienced as they are cosmopolitan.
But the goal is the same, and it’s not entirely their responsibility.
“In general lines, the whole team has to defend,” Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino said. “Defend as a team and build the attack.”
But the focus for keeping the other team from scoring ultimately lies with the defenders.
The defense allowed five goals in its four exhibition games, including chaotic moments in the final one-third of the field against Columbus’ first team and Seattle’s first team. There is work to be done.
Michael Parkhurst, the team captain and starter at center half, has more than 200 appearances in MLS, as well as time spent in Denmark and Germany. Leandro Pirez, the other likely starter, has more than 100 appearances as a pro in leagues in Argentina and Belgium.
“Center backs are responsible for keeping the team compact,” Martino said. “They are in charge of starting the attack with the first pass. They are in charge of speaking to organize the team.”
Within those responsibilities are the details.
Pirez describes his job as a center half as marking the other team’s center forward, and to maintain the line, which means making sure all four players are on the same parallel if called for. Should one of the defenders be even a few yards behind the others, it can give the opponent the room to attack the space between the defense and goal.
The pairing at center half will constantly communicate. Among the topics to discuss are who is marking which forward, when
to play an offside trap, what they will do should the forwards cross each other with runs in an attempt to create confusion in the defense, etc.
Pirez, whose primary language is Spanish but who does speak some English, said communication between him and Parkhurst is good. The other two center halves, Miles Robinson and Anton Walkes, speak English.
Should the opponent break Atlanta United’s press and initiate a counterattack, the center halves will work to cut off the angles and funnel the opponent to a side.
And if that doesn’t work, there’s always the professional foul.
“It’s a resource we use to stop (opponents), as long as it’s not a really aggressive foul,” Pirez said.
The responsibilities are more complex for the fullbacks because they are expected to become involved with the offense as often as practical.
“On our team, they are very important for the attack,” Martino said. “Without forgetting their other role, which is to defend.”
Right fullback Tyrone Mears is a veteran of leagues in England, as well as posting more than 60 appearances with Seattle in MLS. Right fullback Greg Garza has played in Brazil, Portugal and most recently Mexico, where had more than 80 appearances.
“It’s a player that comes from deep,” Mears said. “Usually wingers will switch off and not track the fullbacks. It’s certainly the way (Martino) wants to play. It’s about making an advantage: two versus one, three versus two. A player like a fullback can give those options.”
Backing them up in goal, or leading the defense, depending upon your view, will be Decatur’s Alec Kann, who has starts in the USL and a handful in MLS. Brad Guzan, who will arrive this summer from Middlesbrough, has more than 80 appearances in MLS and 100 in the Premier League.