Editorial — Jackson Conway insists he’s taking nothing for granted and that he’ll keep learning after scoring his first MLS goal in Atlanta United’s 2-2 draw with Nashville SC.
The Five Stripes are suffering through a tough run of form, not helped by the injury crisis that has raged through the squad and several players leaving on international duty.
Jackson Conway relishing “learning experience”
Gabriel Heinze’s side dug in to gain an impressive point at Nissan Stadium on Thursday evening. Anton Walkes put Atlanta ahead in the fifth minute. But it was the hosts that enjoyed a dominant performance, quickly equalizing through Jalil Anibaba before Hany Mukhtar scored his third goal this season against the Five Stripes shortly after half-time.
But Conway — whose presence on the field has been called for throughout this season by supporters — drew his side level in the 59th minute, dispatching an accurate header inside Joe Willis’ near post from a Marcelino Moreno corner.
Let's take another look at @Jacksonconway36's first @MLS goal 👏 pic.twitter.com/SjgaeuCquh
— x – Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 9, 2021
Despite Jake Mulraney receiving an incredibly harsh red card in the 74th minute, Atlanta held on to bring home an invaluable point from Tennessee. Speaking to reporters after the match, Conway credited the advice given to him by Heinze and fellow striker Josef Martinez as key to the movement for his goal.
“That’s one of Gabi’s main things as a center forward is making that double movement,” he said. “You pull that defender one way and then, next thing you know, you’re off his shoulders. That’s something they’ve been telling me. Josef’s been telling me, just on the side. It’s kind of an easy way to get away from a defender and create that yard of space that you need. It worked out. [I will] definitely will keep that in my locker for sure.”
Conway’s introduction from the bench in the 53rd minute, replacing Cubo Torres, was well-received among the Atlanta faithful, who have been calling for the British-born striker to see more minutes since he scored against Club America in the Concacaf Champions League in December.
But the 19-year-old is appreciative that a young player’s minutes have to be managed and that every appearance he gets right now is a “learning experience”.
“Obviously it has been tough for the team, and we’ve all been struggling recently,” said Conway. “For me, it’s always an experience thing. To hear what Gabi has to say after the games. Talking to Cubo after seeing what he took from the game. I take it as a learning experience. I don’t get too down on myself if I don’t play a certain amount of minutes.
“It’s tough playing in this league as a young player. You [have] got to take these opportunities. You can’t just take it for granted. Every time I’ve played, I try to make the most out of it. My parents were here at the game today, so it was a very proud moment for myself and my family. So, take those things in. And it’s a short career so you [have] got to do what you got to do, and I’m glad I’m starting early.”
Nothing given tonight. Everything earned. pic.twitter.com/lxKserypci
— x – Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 9, 2021
Heinze, meanwhile, said Conway’s chance was the result of hard work put in on the training ground. The teenager is integrating well with the senior squad.
“I saw him very well,” Heinze said of Conway. “He understood what we trained. He was not afraid to play, and he wanted to help the team. I told you guys he was playing better and better with the team. But the most important thing for me is the players who are not used to playing, they performed like they were with the group before. What they did is something very important in my profession as a coach.”
Atlanta United has a welcome break from action now. Their next game at home against the New England Revolution will take place on Saturday, July 17th.
