Know Your Foe: Atlanta United

Even though Atlanta United have only been in MLS for five seasons, they’ve etched out a permanent spot in MLS history.

Here is everything you need to know about our foe: 

History 

Atlanta United played their first ever MLS season in 2017, but their story began much earlier than that. The initial talks about Atlanta joining MLS started way back in 2008 when Atlanta Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, submitted his first bid to bring MLS to Atlanta. 

But due to issues regarding stadium permissions and investors, Atlanta had to wait until 2014 to finally be awarded the MLS franchise. However, they wouldn’t begin to play until the 2017 season. 

Those almost three years in-between were spent diligently building the fan culture and team. Atlanta went out and hired Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who previously coached the Argentinian National Team and Barcelona, to head their new team. 

In their inaugural season they finished in an impressive 4th place spot in the Eastern Conference but lost in the first round of playoffs in a penalty shootout against the Columbus Crew. However, Atlanta bounced back the following season, not only picking up where they left off but improving on it. 

They finished 2nd in the East in the 2018 season and went on to win the MLS Cup in their second ever season. After that historic 2018 season, Tata Martino left Atlanta to become Mexican National Team coach.

This led to the hiring of Frank de Boer, a previous Barcelona and Ajax player, who’s most recent coaching stint at the time was Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.

Atlanta once again finished 2nd in the East, won the U.S. Open, and beat Club América in the Campeones Cup becoming the first United States team to beat a Mexican side in the cup match.

Things were looking favorable for Atlanta United but in the 2020 season, after losing all three of their matchups in the MLS is Back tournament, De Boer was let go by the club. Atlanta didn’t fare much better with their next head coach appointment, Gabriel Heinze, who was relieved of his duties halfway into the 2021 season.

Things started turning around for Atlanta when they hired Gonzalo Pineda following the departure of Heinze. They went on a hot streak nearing the end of last season, managing to make the playoffs, but falling short in the first round.

Despite having a brief history, Atlanta United set the bar with their ambitious approach of building their team and the incredibly loyal fanbase they’ve built who boast several attendance records (except for the number one all-time MLS attendance record now held by Charlotte FC).

Present

Early in the 2022 season, Atlanta United has been a mixed bag. In their season opener, they thrashed Sporting Kansas City, an MLS Cup contender, three to one.

The following week, however, they were on the receiving end of three goals in their 0 – 3 loss to the Colorado Rapids. These mixed results are partially due to the availability of players and depth that has really been tested in Atlanta’s opening weeks.

They’ve had injuries for key players like midfielder Emerson Hyndman, right back Brooks Lennon, and most recently, designated player Luiz Araújo who got hurt in the first half of the season opener against Kansas City.

Adding to their early season injury woes is the delay in acquiring VISAs for other key players like Santiago Sosa and newest, record-breaking signing Thiago Almada, who is the most expensive import in MLS history.

Slowly but surely Atlanta is getting back to full strength with Sosa back in the country and Almada reportedly also being available for selection this upcoming weekend.

Key Players

Josef Martínez: You can’t talk about Atlanta United without talking about their prolific striker, Martinez. He scored a whopping 77 goals in his first 3 seasons at the club, has reached the 100 goal mark faster than anyone else in MLS history, set the record for most consecutive games with a goal, and many other accolades. As long as he is in Atlanta, he will always be THE key player to keep an eye on.

Santiago Sosa: Sosa is a silky midfielder who when on the pitch helps dictate the tempo of the game. The game flows through him as the connector between the defense and the attack. Atlanta has been without him until now, a much-needed reinforcement with all the injuries that have struck their midfield.

Alan Franco: With U.S. International, Miles Robinson not available because of suspension, his center back partner Franco will have to step up in his absence. Franco has shown that he can play at a high level in MLS but has been inconsistent. He will need to find the form he finished the 2021 season with to marshal the Atlanta defense against Charlotte FC.