Atlanta United 2, Charleston 1: What was said

Atlanta United defeated Charleston 2-1 on Saturday in the final game of the Carolina Challenge Cup.

The team went 2-1 in the Cup and 3-1 in the preseason.

Here’s what was said after the game:

Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino

“I thought the first half we played well. We moved the ball really well and we were very precise with our passing. The second half was more balanced. The game was more even.”

On the starters:

“First, I wanted to balance out the minutes of the guys who haven’t played as much and also give them an opportunity to play to see what they can do.”

“No one really stood out in particular. We played a whole different 11. Over the course of a season, everyone will have a chance to stand out.”

“The first thing is we got to see the competition, Seattle and Columbus, up close. The main thing is we got to see them in person. Second, we’ve only been together a month but we are still coming together.

“We understand we are going to arrive for the season in pretty good form.”

We need to sustain the amount of time that we control the ball. We have done it for different periods in the games, but I want to see us do it for a longer period of time and be consistent controlling the ball.”

Mark Bloom, captain

“I thought we did pretty well, actually. The first half I thought we kind of put on a clinic. We were the better team by far. The only thing we could have done better was put away our chances.

“I thought in the second half we kind of let it slip away a little bit. We got a little bit tired. We got a little bit careless at times. We got a little too confident trying to play out of the back. That’s what preseason is far. We tried to play through it. It was a good representation of our character to score that goal.”

Andrew Carleton, who played a few games for Charleston last season

“It felt good to be back in Charleston and play in a stadium I’m pretty familiar with. It was pretty cool to play with Atlanta and be able to get a start and play against Charleston on the other side was pretty interesting. It was a good night and fun to be back.”

“I felt like I did pretty well. I created some chances and worked hard defensively and gave my all to the team.”

On his expectations on being used by Martino this season

“It’s up to him. I’m just trying to have fun and enjoy it. It’s not my call. I’m here to work as hard as I can and contribute to the team. At any chance, with whatever I get, do what I can and show Tata how good I can do.”

On working with Mark Bloom and Julian Gressel on the right side

“We had a pretty decent little combination down the right side. With Mark growing up in Georgia, too, we got a little extra something right there. It’s just fun to be on the field with them, actually.”

Charleston Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser

“Overall, we did well. They played very well right in the beginning of the game. They had a few guys that probably hadn’t played that much and they came out to prove something. They got the early goal. The good thing is we were able to hold on there and then Romario was able to catch one and hit a great strike right at the end of the half to make it 1-1.

And then it was back and forth. It was an exciting game. That’s what we want to do, make it exciting. They got what they needed and we got what we needed.

It’s disappointing getting a loss but it’s not really a big deal for us. It’s just more about the preparation.

When you bring on quality at the end of the game, and I brought on a few defenders who were just coming into the game and that puts you under pressure.

They were able to get the open cross and had that little bit more of quality and finish it off. You have to give them credit.

On Andrew Carleton, who played for Charleston in a few games last season:

“It was great to see him. He was unfortunate not to get a couple there. He laid a couple of a nice balls through. It’s great to see him playing for Atlanta and he’s going to get his time. He’s done very well for us and hopefully does very well for him. I’m excited for him.”

Romario Williams, who was on loan from Atlanta United to Charleston for the game:

“It’ always a good opportunity whenever you step on the pitch as a striker to play well and get a goal. Being part of the Atlanta family we have a great set up and am looking forward to a great first year in MLS. I did my job as a striker, put my best foot forward for the team and did what I have to do.

The staff, there’s a reason why they traded for me last year from Montreal. They knew what I was capable of as a player and what I can do. That wasn’t the main objective for me. It’s preseason and I’m here for Charleston. It was to go out there and give it my best.

On his goal:

“Obie (O’Brian Woodbine) played a nice, penetrating pass and I realized that the defender overcommitted on the play. I turned inside, found myself in open space and just decided to have a go. Fortunately, it went in.”

On this season

“We’ve been in good communication. The feedback has been good. It’s been positive. We are in a good space and we are doing well right now. We will continue to communicate and see where things go. Ultimately, there’s no conclusion at this point in time. I’m with Charleston Battery for now and my focus is here.”

Here are the stories that will appear this week on ajc.com, on facebook at Atlanta United News Now, at twitter @Doug Roberson and in the paper to preview Atlanta United's inaugural season. If you want to subscribe, here is the contact: https://subscribe.ajc.com/subscriptionpanel

Sunday on ajc.com/Monday's paper: 5 things learned from the four preseason games.

Monday on ajc.com/Tuesday's paper: The importance of set pieces in soccer.

Tuesday on ajc.com/Wednesday's paper: A look at the team's forwards.

Wednesday on ajc.com/Thursday's paper: A look at the team's midfielders.

Thursday on ajc.com/Friday's paper: A look at the team's defense.

Friday on ajc.com/Saturday’s paper:

An A-to-Z look at MLS.

A fun list of lists about the league.

Team-by-team capsules.

What’s a tifo?

Saturday on ajc.com/Sunday’s paper:

A Q&A with Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank. (tentative)