Atletico has momentum on its side
CPL squad looks to build momentum and claw its way from bottom of the standings
Ottawa Atletico took full advantage of the magic of the moment last Saturday against Halifax, rallying in front of a sun-drenched crowd of 12,000 to win their first game at TD Place.
The next challenge is to carry that momentum and keep the good times rolling in front of what is expected to be a much smaller crowd for Wednesday's game here against York United.
“The fans are always a boost and you feel that energy as a player,” said Ajay Khabra, who will step up from his assistant coach's position to replace suspended head coach Mista. “When you look at that performance (against Halifax), we had energy and intensity and we accomplished and executed everything we wanted to.”
Atletico has a record of three wins, seven losses and a draw and needs to put together an impressive string to climb out of the basement and back into the middle of the pack in the Canadian Premier League standings. To prove that the club has turned the corner, it needs to respond again against York, which carries a record of four wins, three draws and four losses into the contest.
“I think we got tested,” said Khabra. “Halifax is a good team. We had a choice whether to keep struggling or stay positive and change the mindset. We reacted in a really good way. The fans were helping and motivating, but I want to give credit to the players, too, for executing.”
Malcolm Shaw and his 71st-minute replacement, Brian Wright, scored the Atletico goals against Halifax. Midfielders Ben McKendry and Alberto Soto, along with centre back Drew Beckie, also had strong games.
According to Khabra, there's also a fine line between being pushed by a cheering section and becoming overexcited by trying to do too much.
“We are playing at home, but sometimes that can be counterproductive and we have to be disciplined when we have the ball and when we don't have the ball,” he said. “We like to create chances and finish those chances and we look to hopefully score some goals and entertain the fans while we're here.”
The other intriguing angle is Khabra's position as head coach for the game. The CPL made an exemption to allow Mista to push back his suspension for the home opener, but he will be forced to sit out this one.
“It's a bit of a challenge, but I think with the staff we have, it's a bit of a collaborative approach,” Khabra said. “We try to do our preparations beforehand. Of course, you have to make adjustments and change things as you go, but hopefully the work has already been done. I have that title for the game, but we work together, we try to find solutions to problems. I think we've prepared well for the last couple of games.”