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ATLANTA – Atlanta United is back? They arrive there.
Less than a month ago, the Five Stripes languished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and fans wondered if the new team manager, Frank de Boer, was the man of the situation.
Three matches – and three spotless matches – After a disappointing home defeat against FC Dallas, Atlanta looks more like the team that won the 2018 MLS Cup than just one-off the conference standings. l & # 39; Is. They have won four out of five wins and are above the line of playoffs for the first time this season.
"It starts with the team spirit and conviction," said De Boer after Wednesday's 2-0 win over Toronto FC. "Five or six weeks ago we had a meeting to really get together and understand each other on both sides. From there, we made very good progress. It was already what I saw these two weeks on the training ground … the mutual respect, the pace of work, everything. You have seen confidence grow.
"Of course, we always expect to be able to improve and we will improve. But it's a big step forward against a very good team and a good opponent today. "
Julian Gressel, one of Wednesday's scorers, said he had always felt like the team would show up as it showed last month.
"The feelings in the locker room have changed a lot in the last three games," he said. "It's just the moment. We have already said it. Once you are together a little longer … you start clicking and you get on the same page. "
Part of the adjustment was part of De Boer's Dutch-inspired system, and striker Josef Martinez was at the center of the change. While the Venezuelan had a record season as a scorer under former manager Tata Martino last year, De Boer had Martinez play at a more complete match – a game that brings him back to the goal and which binds more often his offensive teammates.
That paid off several times on Wednesday as Martinez helped Atlanta's two scorers, Gressel and Tito Villalba.
"I know he's keen to always be involved in goals and especially in goals, but I'm very happy with his performance," said De Boer. "The other teams must also call on other players and Josef can also give help."
Perhaps more importantly, the positive atmosphere in the Mercedes-Benz stadium seems to be back.
"There is no question about it. You can see it in the crowd, you can see some of the players' performance, "said midfielder Jeff Larentowicz. "I think the game in Kansas City was exactly what we needed. Tonight was a good match against a team we had not beaten and played well. "
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