Three worth closer look

Nagbe, Vazquez, Goslin add to excitement in victory over Nashville.

NASHVILLE, TENN. — Here are three players who caught my eye in Atlanta United’s 3-1 win over Nashville on Saturday at First Tennessee Park:

1. Darlington Nagbe. The midfielder controlled Atlanta United’s possession. Deployed between defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz and attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, Nagbe was the pivot linking the back to the front. He dictated if the play would move side to side or back to front. With Almiron and Ezequiel Barco buzzing around and interchanging positions, Nagbe played off the two very well and was very calm within Nashville’s press.

It was clear why Atlanta United made him its No. 1 target within MLS in the offseason. Nagbe was more than just a passer. He also had the first good chance in the game when his 20-yard shot bounced off the post in the first half. He later attempted an audacious volley off a corner kick that, had the shot gone in, would have matched Yamil Asad’s curling shot in last year’s preseason opener for its quality.

Speaking of Asad, manager Gerardo Martino was asked what Nagbe and Barco, who also looked good in his 45 minutes, brought to the team compared to Asad and Carlos Carmona, who are no longer with the franchise. Martino was very complimentary of both, as expected, saying Carmona was, in effect, one of the most important players on the field and that Asad’s defense was also very important. Martino said Barco and Nagbe offer more

offensive combinations going forward.

2. Brandon Vazquez. Vazquez is so big and can cover so much ground that he is a matchup problem for most fullbacks. Imagine Vazquez and Franco Escobar, who is also big for a fullback, motoring up the right flank.

Alas, Vazquez’s minutes will be determined by Hector Villalba, who will start at right midfield/striker. Vazquez may earn spot minutes, as he did last year, but it seems likely he will get most of his minutes with Atlanta United 2, the USL team, this year. That’s not a bad thing.

Vazquez scored Atlanta United’s second goal in the 74th minute when he caught up to Nagbe for an easy finish. His defense forced the mistake that led to Atlanta

United’s third goal, scored by Romario Williams when he pounced on a mis-hit clear- ance in the 78th minute.

3. Chris Goslin. The Homegrown Player has been one of my favorites to watch during training sessions this year because he seems much more confident and comfort-

able compared to last season.

Goslin came in for the final 12 minutes and showed his range, strength and passing ability in just a few minutes. He is another player who is going to get most of his minutes with Atlanta United 2 this season, but his future looks bright.

2017 FILE Midfielder Darlington Nagbe, Atlanta United’s No. 1 target within MLS in the offseason, showed why with his play in the preseason opener against Nashville.