Atlanta United's comeback win over the Quakes stops 2022 'narrative'

Atlanta United's dramatic 2-1 comeback win over the San Jose Earthquakes was exhilarating but arguably left just as many questions as it did answers.

After a thoroughly disappointing 2022 campaign in which they failed to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Five Stripes needed two incredible strikes from World Cup-winner Thiago Almada in second-half stoppage time to beat the Quakes 2-1 in their new season opener.

In many ways, it was a performance that felt similar to 2022, with Atlanta dominating possession but needing special moments from big players to turn their pressure into goals and, for a long time, looking like they'd leave the game with nothing.

What is different, however, is Atlanta had genuine difference-makers to bring from the bench in Derrick Etienne Jr and Miguel Berry, while Almada has returned from Qatar with his profile and confidence through the roof.

And with new Designated Player Giorgos Giakoumakis still to arrive pending his visa, things can only continue to get better.

Goalkeeper Brad Guzan - returning from a serious injury - was so ardent in his defense of his teammates that his post-match media duties in the locker room became rather abrasive.

“No, do not compare anything to last season, because I am going to tell you now that it is a new year and a new team. It has got nothing to do with last year. So stop that narrative right now or you’re going to p*** me off," he declared.

Head coach Gonzalo Pineda was a little more composed in his post-match press conference, but agreed with Guzan that this performance shouldn't be compared to those seen last season.

“No, not at all. Winning nowadays is so difficult, that we want to enjoy every three points that we earned," Pineda said.

The Mexican tactician instead chose to focus on the positives of Atlanta United's performance, forcing a possession-oriented San Jose Earthquakes side under new boss Luchi Gonzalez to abandon their principles through a controlled, measured, and very effective press, and staying on the front foot even when the Quakes took a surprise lead.

"I think the team played really well at times and was dominating, on the front foot for the majority of the game," Pineda observed.

"I think San Jose did a great job today, they put us under some threats tactically with dangerous players. But eventually, we forced them to play long balls all the time, which is not what they typically do. They have a coach who likes to play out of the back, and they were kicking it long most of the time. That’s a testament to our pressure.

"We were dictating the tempo of the game, which at sometimes needs to be faster and more proactive. But at the end of the day what I’m happy with is the mentality of the team. Two goals in end of the game is testament to the top mentality that I want. At times you can win in different ways, today we won like this. We will enjoy and reflect on the film in the next few days and try to correct ahead of the next game.”

That next game comes on Saturday when Atlanta United host Toronto FC.