Head coach Ronny Deila challenged his team, and they responded. Now, they're getting their flowers.
Deila and Derrick Williams were named to the MLS Team of the Matchday 15. Brad Guzan also made the Team of the Matchday bench. The three were influential figures in Atlanta United's 4-2 Sunday Night Soccer win over FC Cincinnati.
A little over a week ago, Atlanta United had gone their eighth straight game without a win, a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia Union, and Deila didn't hold back in the post-match press conference. He implored his side to play with more fire and called them soft in both boxes. That honest managerial approach must have gotten through to his squad, as Williams remarked after the Sunday night win.
"We took it personal," Williams said. "For me personally, I think I headed about five or six away, and I scored one. If someone wants to challenge me, [I'm like] 'Alright, we'll see.'"
In a match with such unbelievable attacking output — the teams combined for 39 shots and six goals — it was Williams at center back who had his fingerprints all over. He scored the first of six goals on the evening, a thumping header off a set piece that rippled the net in the 15th minute.
Williams' addition to the Team of the Matchday was a near lock when he opened the scoring, but his defensive physicality throughout the remainder of the match confirmed what was his best performance of the season. According to FBref.com, he won a match-high four aerial duels. His goal wouldn't have even counted as one of them, as he found himself alone in space with just a header to beat the keeper.
The prematch motivation leading to a huge result over second place FC Cincinnati would've been enough to justify Deila as one of the best managerial performers in MLS this matchday. But he also made moves throughout the match to bolster his case. Ronald Hernández was an excellent substitution in the 60th minute, working hard at left wing back and bringing a more defensive skillset. Mateusz Klich and Jamal Thiaré, who Deila brought on together in the 80th minute, combined for the game-sealing goal in the 94th minute.
"When you see that determination, and you see that people want to score, then you see a different team," Deila said. "You see that we want to clear the ball. We are first on the ball in the box ... This has to be the minimum."
Guzan's impact was felt right from the off, making a close quarter save to deny Cincy an opener in the third minute. He went on to make seven saves, moving him up to second-most in MLS with 58 on the season.
The three won't be resting with their awards for long, as Atlanta United turns around to play another midweek match, this time against Orlando City SC. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, giving the 5-Stripes a chance to carry through the momentum from Sunday night into another big Eastern Conference showdown.
