“We planned for a smash and grab win” Bradley Carnell on Philadelphia Union’s win over Atlanta United

After a few weeks away from the top spot, Philadelphia Union returned to the top of the Eastern Conference with a 1-0 win away to Atlanta United FC on Saturday. With the performance, the club continues its best-ever start to a season with 29 points in 14 games. It’s been a dream start to life in Philadelphia for Bradley Carnell, whose latest feat is a win on the road against a struggling yet tough Atlanta United.

Philadelphia Union vs Atlanta United: Notes and quotes

After a goalless first half at the Mercedes Benz Stadium, the league’s top scorer was up to break the deadlock by converting a penalty in the 59th minute. The Atlanta keeper had come off his line to clear the ball. Unfortunately, he misplayed the ball towards his own goal, leading to a chance for Union. The phase ended with a handball from Abram in the process of blocking Wagner’s shot with a sliding challenge, and a penalty was called after some minutes of VAR review.

Tai Bario’s 11th goal of the season was just enough to seal the game for Philadelphia and send them to the top of the Eastern Conference, while extending Atlanta’s poor run to eight games without a win.

In his post-fight press conference, Bradley Carnell discussed the challenge Atlanta posed to his team and how he was able to set up his team to outsmart the home team.

“We had to be a little bit creative tonight. We planned for a smash and grab win, and I think that’s exactly what we got, credit to the boys,” Carnell said.

“We set out on a mission to survive to half. We know this field, we know these surroundings, we know the fans, this environment. It’s never easy to come here and play. They’re expecting a certain type of picture that they’re gonna have to solve, and we gave them a totally different one. And then, they start to figure that out, and then, they expose us a little bit, and then, we change the formation towards the end of the half. Within the game, we had four formation changes. I think we solved the puzzles pretty well tonight.”

Also, Union keeper Andrew Rick sealed Union’s win and grabbed a clean sheet for himself with three outstanding saves, including a late save against a Derrick Williams shot in the center of the box.

“… happy with the way Rick played tonight. Andrew, he’s been patient in the background when he gets his chance. And today, he had a chance to shine,” Carnell remarked.

“Phil Wheddon works tirelessly behind the scenes to get him up to speed to be ready for that moment. And tonight, he had three big moments. We’re proud of him, we’re happy for him, but I’m happy for the whole team.”

Carnell also touched on Kai Wagner’s injury after he suffered a collision during the game.

“Yeah, he’s fine. We just can’t celebrate too much with him. He’s mending a little cut behind his head. He’s fine, I hope.”

Despite their return to the league’s summit after a few weeks off, Carnell remains focused and has his gaze fixed on the team’s next opponent on Wednesday.

“We’re moving on to Wednesday now, another big game, and with this rhythm that we have we just regen and get ready.”