Atlas Coach Blasts Listening Issues After Low‑Scoring Loss

Frustration Over a Club‑Low Output

New York Atlas coach Mike Pressler voiced his displeasure after Friday’s 5‑goal effort against the Utah Archers. “The players have got to do a much better job listening to the coaches,” Pressler said. He described a lack of cohesion that left the team “doing their own thing” rather than following a unified plan.

Pressler later expanded on the comments, noting the team’s tendency to stray from its structured offense. “We got caught not listening and doing our own thing,” he explained. While individual creativity is valued in the pro game, he warned there is a point where disciplined execution must dominate, especially on the offensive side of the field.

The turn of events began early when the Atlas fell behind 4‑0 in the opening quarter. Unlike previous comebacks against Boston and Maryland, the team did not recover. The Archers, in turn, rolled to a 16‑5 victory, a result that underscored the defensive lapses and offensive stagnation.

Assistant Coach’s Take on the Execution Gap

Assistant coach Scott Urick, who runs the offense, echoed Pressler’s assessment but emphasized that selfishness wasn’t the root cause. “It wasn’t selfish play. That’s not what it was,” Urick said. He attributed the struggle to talented players trying to make plays outside the team’s framework.

Urick reminded the roster that falling behind tests a team’s ability to stay within its successful system. “When falling behind happens, it’s a challenge to stay the course and stick to what makes you successful,” he added. The temptation to “do more, do more, do more” can quickly unravel a well‑structured attack.

He also highlighted moments when New York’s offense clicks, such as the 2‑0 Homecoming Weekend win over Hofstra and the subsequent 16‑goal explosion against Maryland. “When we’re playing well, it’s because of our spacing, our timing and how well we move the ball,” Urick noted. Those victories showcased the very principles that were missing in the Utah loss.

Individual Performances and the Role of Key Players

Connor Shellenberger delivered a 10‑point performance during Homecoming Week, citing “little things” like good spacing and solid picking as the foundation for the 16‑goal outburst. “The ball was moving. We shot really well. We set really good picks,” he said.

Against the Archers, Shellenberger admitted the team “wasn’t as sharp.” He described a loss of urgency and a slower pace that contributed to the 11‑goal defeat. “We all owe ourselves a higher standard than that as competitors,” he reflected.

The roster also looks to Trevor Baptiste for stability. The faceoff specialist, set to return for Sunday’s match, holds a league‑leading 60.8 % faceoff win rate. Pressler noted that having the captain back will be “a major plus” as the Atlas seeks to climb out of last place in the Eastern Conference.

Road Ahead: Atlas vs. Boston Cannons

New York sits at 3‑4, tied with the Boston Cannons for the same record. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, making Sunday’s matchup crucial. “There’s a lot riding on this game in particular,” Pressler emphasized.

The Atlas have displayed the ability to score in double digits when their system clicks, as evidenced by the 16‑goal game against Maryland. Reestablishing the disciplined offense that produced those results will be key to improving their record.

With Baptiste back in the lineup and the coaching staff concentrating on communication and structure, the Atlas have a clear path to turn their frustration into a winning streak. The upcoming game against Boston will serve as a litmus test for whether New York can quickly reset and reclaim its foothold in the East.