One small adjustment changed the complexion of one of Atlanta United's drills Tuesday morning.
It looked like many other buildup drills that the 5-Stripes have carried out throughout the season under head coach Ronny Deila: A series of five to six one-touch passes before firing off a shot on goal. The change on Tuesday? After the shot, no matter the result, an assistant coach played a pass back into to a random attacker, simulating a rebound. For the keepers, it was an almost unsavable sequence shots. For the attackers, it's just what they needed — more reps, particularly in scramble situations.
Finishing was the focus in preparation for a trip to the mountains to face Colorado Rapids Saturday night. In the 5-Stripes' 1-1 draw against Montréal last weekend, the side created 3.1 expected goals worth of chances. The first half and the last 10 minutes of the second half showcased a direct and dangerous attack, but the final output got away from them.
Deila and his coaching staff have maintained a willing-to-try-anything mindset this season, especially when it comes to what training looks like. The tweak to their buildup drill Tuesday morning paved the way for players like Emmanuel Latte Lath, Miguel Almirón, Saba Lobjanidze, Cayman Togashi and more to practice putting those chances away.
Atlanta United's forward signing from the past offseason has had a rollercoaster of a first season in MLS. Latte Lath spoke to media after training Tuesday about how he's navigating his new life and managing the workload of the season.
"It takes a lot of energy," Latte Lath said. "It's a mental season."
Mentality was a big focus for the forward, both on a personal level and as a member of the collective. Since returning home after the two-month road run, the squad has found their footing in front of goal, averaging two goals per match in their last seven matches. Perhaps that's why Atlanta United felt their draw with Montréal left more to be desired.
By himself, Latte Lath accrued 0.52 xG against Montréal, nearly missing the frame of goal in the first half. Atlanta United's leader in goals this season still expects more from himself and the team, and so the natural response is to dig in deeper at training. He was one of the players firing off the most shots on goal Tuesday, finishing from a variety of angles and with different amounts of time to get a shot off. The ball rippled the net more often than not.
Another standout from buildup drills was Cayman Togashi. His confidence is peaking after scoring his first goal of the season in Atlanta United's 4-1 win over Atlas FC August 6. Most of the shots he put on goal were buried in the side netting.
Reps in front of goal with an imposing keeper like Brad Guzan in the net are confidence builders and contribute to the team's comfort level in pressure spots. Even defender Enea Mihaj had a rip from far out find the back of the net. Latte Lath has seen the squad embrace the struggles of the season and, just like he did himself Tuesday, dig in.
"I think it's the mental things," Latte Lath said. "Everybody understood where we [came] from, what we what we did this season ... We support [each other] every time we're in training, in the dressing room especially."
Lobjanidze was a first-rate example of that support as he spoke on what young players like Will Reilly and Luke Brennan are bringing in their expanded roles.
"They are improving a lot," Saba said. "Really, you can say that, and they are helping the team work. With the confidence, with the experience, they will be much better."
Reilly was the last person out on the pitch Tuesday. He stayed after training, all the way through media availability, and he carried a bag of balls back into the locker room himself. Talk about having the right mentality.
The gap between Atlanta United and the playoffs is large, and players and coaches will admit that, but they've maintained full belief in their ability to make the push. Lobjanidze, a confessed optimist, has his eyes on the next opponent. He said if the squad focuses on one match at a time, they can beat the odds turn a 1 percent chance into 100 percent. Latte Lath agreed.
"Nothing is impossible," Latte Lath said. "We are down, but the points from the Playoffs are not so far. I believe, and we show right now we're improving many things."
