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Wikipedia

Atlanta United FC

February 15, 2024

Not to be confused with Atalanta BC.

Atlanta United FC is an American professional soccer club based in Atlanta that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference.

Atlanta United
Full nameAtlanta United FC
Nickname(s)The Five Stripes
Short nameATL UTD
FoundedApril 16, 2014; 9 years ago (2014-04-16)
StadiumMercedes-Benz Stadium
Capacity42,500 (expandable to 71,000, standing room to at least 73,019)[1]
OwnerArthur Blank
PresidentGarth Lagerwey
Head coachGonzalo Pineda
LeagueMajor League Soccer
2023Eastern Conference: 6th
Overall: 10th
Playoffs: First round
WebsiteClub website
Current season

Founded in 2014, Atlanta United began play as an MLS expansion team in 2017, as the twenty-second team in the league. It is the first MLS franchise to be based in Atlanta, and the club plays home games at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which they share with the city's National Football League (NFL) franchise, the Atlanta Falcons. Both are owned by Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot. The club also owns Atlanta United 2, a reserve team that competes in MLS Next Pro.

Gerardo Martino was appointed as the club's first head coach and guided Atlanta to their first playoff appearance in the team's debut season, before securing the team's first trophy in just their second season by winning MLS Cup 2018.

Atlanta has set several league records for highest single-match and average attendance. In 2021, Sportico estimated the club was the second most valuable in the league, worth approximately $845 million.[2]

History edit

Initial expansion proposals edit

At the time the team was announced, Atlanta was the largest metropolitan area without an MLS franchise.[3] Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank's AMB Sports and Entertainment Group had submitted a bid for an expansion franchise in 2008,[4] but withdrew the bid in early 2009 due to state and local government budget shortfalls and Blank's inability to find partners to build an appropriate stadium for the proposed team.[5] On July 10, 2010, Dan Courtemanche, MLS's executive vice president of communications, said that despite the bid withdrawal, regular discussions with Blank regarding Atlanta's potential as an expansion market were occurring.[6]

MLS expansion bid edit

On May 31, 2011, the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers were sold to True North Sports & Entertainment, who announced that they would relocate the team to Winnipeg and rebrand as the Winnipeg Jets.[7] The Thrashers' relocation helped restart the efforts and talks of bringing an MLS expansion team to Atlanta.[8]

In May 2012, while the Falcons' proposed new stadium was going through the approval process, MLS commissioner Don Garber cited Atlanta as one of three "intriguing" markets for future league expansion.[9] Additionally, when Blank presented his case for a new stadium at the Falcons' annual meeting with season ticket holders, he stated that an additional benefit of the new stadium was that it could help attract a Major League Soccer franchise and potentially host World Cup matches.[10] Later that year, in November, Garber said if the Falcons could complete plans for a new stadium, MLS would "try to figure out how an MLS team could be part of their plans."[11]

Rich McKay, Falcons president and CEO, said in 2013 that the team was "open to various options, including [its] ownership of a team or someone else owning a team".[12] Dan Courtemanche said, "We are big believers in the Atlanta market," and cited the city's growing Hispanic population and corporations that could serve as its sponsors.[12] Then, in March 2013, the city and the Falcons agreed to financing terms,[13] and in May 2013, the Georgia Department of Economic Development board approved $30 million in bonds to finance the land purchase for the new stadium.[14] The stadium was set to open in 2017 and could be configured for professional soccer.[12] Atlanta remained at the top of the list for an MLS expansion team, as Garber, in the December 2013 MLS State of the League address, emphasized that it was a goal to continue to expand in the Southeast, and added, "if we can continue to advance our discussions positively with Arthur [Blank] and the [Atlanta] Falcons, we hope to be able to get a situation finalized so that could potentially be our second team. Orlando being the first, maybe Atlanta or Miami would be the second or the third."[15][16] In December 2013, Garber said the league was making progress in discussions with the Falcons and that the stadium situation was finalized.[17] Negotiations continued, as Courtemanche said in January 2014 that Atlanta "remains a great prospect for MLS expansion,"[18] and in February 2014, Rich McKay confirmed the parties were "far along in negotiations."[19]

On April 16, 2014, Blank announced that MLS had awarded an expansion franchise to his group, and the team would begin play in 2017. Atlanta became the second franchise awarded in the Southeastern United States in five months, following the Orlando City SC announcement in late 2013. The Southeast had been without an MLS team since the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny were dissolved in 2001.[20]

Inaugural season edit

See also: 2017 Atlanta United FC season

Atlanta's first regular season MLS game was played on March 5, 2017, at Bobby Dodd Stadium with 55,297 in attendance. Yamil Asad scored the first goal in team history in a 2–1 loss to New York Red Bulls.[21] A week later, the team registered its first win with a 6–1 away defeat of fellow expansion team Minnesota United FC.[22] On March 18, 2017, the team registered its first win at home, beating Chicago Fire, who went down to ten men in the eleventh minute, 4–0 in front of a sold-out Bobby Dodd Stadium.[23] Following its move to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the team continued leading the league in attendance and averaged more than 48,000 in its home league matches, breaking records for attendance for a non-doubleheader MLS game and average single-season attendance for a U.S. soccer team. Atlanta clinched a berth in the playoffs, becoming the third MLS expansion team to do so in their inaugural season, by finishing tied for third place in the Eastern Conference; due to tiebreaking rules Atlanta was seeded fourth. In its first playoff game, the team faced Columbus Crew and set a then-MLS attendance record for a playoff game with 67,221 spectators in attendance. After 120 minutes of scoreless action, the match was decided by a penalty shoot-out, which Columbus won 3–1 to eliminate Atlanta.[24]

Champions in two seasons edit

See also: 2018 Atlanta United FC season
 
Josef Martínez was MLS MVP as Atlanta won the championship in 2018

In their second season, Atlanta finished second in the Eastern Conference as well as the Supporters' Shield. The club qualified for the playoffs for the second year in a row, advancing to MLS Cup 2018 after beating New York City FC and New York Red Bulls. In the final on December 8, the team beat Portland Timbers, bringing the city of Atlanta its first major sports championship since MLB's Atlanta Braves won the 1995 World Series.[1] The win qualified Atlanta for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League, marking the first time Atlanta qualified for continental competition.

The win also allowed Martino, who had announced earlier in the season that he would not return for the 2019 campaign, to end his two-year tenure on a high note.[25] Josef Martínez was named league MVP,[26] while Martino was named Coach of the Year.[27]

In the second edition of the Campeones Cup, Atlanta defeated Club América 3–2, winning the trophy and becoming the first club from United States to defeat a Mexican side in the cup match.[28]

2019–present edit

See also: 2019 Atlanta United FC season

Martino left the club following their MLS Cup triumph in order to take over as manager of the Mexico national team. He was replaced by Frank de Boer. De Boer led the club to wins in both the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup, but after beating the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union in the MLS Playoffs, Atlanta United were eliminated in the conference finals by Toronto FC.

The 2020 season started brightly for United, with two wins in two matches before the season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a nearly four-month layoff, United participated in the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, Florida, losing all three of their matches. Following their elimination from the MLS is Back Tournament, De Boer and Atlanta United mutually agreed to end his relationship with the club.[29] He was replaced on an interim basis by Stephen Glass, who led the club following the resumption of league play in August.

At the end of 2020, former Argentina international defender Gabriel Heinze signed a two-year contract to be the next head coach.[30]

During the offseason prior to the 2021 MLS season, Atlanta United brought in 9 new players including Santiago Sosa and veteran striker Lisandro López.[31] On April 6, 2021, United played their first game of the 2021 season, beating Costa Rican side Alajuelense 1–0.[32] The match marked the return of striker Josef Martínez, who had missed the entirety of the 2020 season due to a torn ACL.[33]

On April 13, 2021, Atlanta United beat Costa Rican side Alajuelense 2–0 on aggregate to advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.[citation needed] In their largest home defeat to date, they lost the first leg of the quarterfinals to Philadelphia Union on April 27, 2021, by a score of 3–0.[citation needed]

On July 18, 2021, Atlanta United announced the firing of head coach Gabriel Heinze, after the team hit a club-record eight-game winless streak, with only two wins out of their first thirteen games of the 2021 MLS season. Heinze's interim replacement was Atlanta United assistant coach Rob Valentino.[34]

On August 12, 2021, former Mexican international and Seattle Sounders FC assistant coach Gonzalo Pineda was named the fourth permanent head coach in club history,[35] with his first match away to D.C. United on August 21. Valentino remained with the club as an assistant coach.

On November 7, 2021, Atlanta United clinched a spot in the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs after a 2–1 victory over FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium.[36]

Colors and badge edit

 
An Atlanta United mural located in Decatur, Georgia

Arthur Blank stated that fans would be involved in choosing the name, logo and "a color scheme that'll work with the red and black with ... gold "[37] (the colors used by the Falcons when they launched in 1966).[38]

On June 25, 2015, Sports Illustrated reported that Atlanta's expansion team would be named Atlanta United FC. The official announcement of the team's name took place on July 7.[39] Atlanta United president Darren Eales explained that the name was chosen based on a survey of the team's supporters and used words the supporters most positively related to the potential team.[40][41] Eales also stated that the Founders' Group meeting would still be held on July 7 and the logo for the new team would be unveiled.[40]

Symbols edit

The team's name, logo and colors were unveiled on July 7, 2015. The logo features a circle reminiscent of the city's seal and Olympic heritage with a bold "A" at the center of the circle. Behind the "A" are five black and red stripes representing the five pillars of the team: unity, determination, community, excellence, and innovation.[42] The team's official colors are black (for strength and power), red (or "Victory Red," as the team calls it, for pride and passion), and gold (for a commitment to excellence).[43] The team has become unofficially known as "The Five Stripes", which correlates to the five stripes on the team's inaugural home kits.[44]

Kits edit

In February 2019, on the heels of the club's first MLS championship, Atlanta unveiled a new primary kit for the upcoming 2019 season. The new design is nicknamed "Star and Stripes" and was created by Adidas.[45] Changes include a move from five thick stripes to nine thinner stripes on the front, red socks instead of black, and a gold star above the team crest.[46]

In February 2021, Atlanta United announced a new primary kit for the 2021 season. The design is named the "BLVCK" kit and is United's first all-black kit.

Home edit

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017–2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019–2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2021–22
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2023–

Away edit

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017 Away Alt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2018–2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020–2021
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2022–

Third edit

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2021
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2023–

Sponsorship edit

Season Kit sponsor Shirt sponsor Sleeve sponsor
2016 Adidas American Family Insurance —
2017–2020
2020 Piedmont Hospital
Truist Financial
2021 AT&T
2022–present Piedmont Hospital

On July 12, 2016, the team announced American Family Insurance as its primary jersey sponsor for the first team. The terms and length of the contract were not disclosed.[47] Truist is the official kit sponsor at the youth academy level.[48] On February 4, 2020, the club announced that it had expanded its partnership with local healthcare provider Piedmont Healthcare. As part of the partnership expansion, Piedmont became the first team's sleeve sponsor and the main sponsor for the reserve team.[49] Later, the team announced Truist Financial and NAPA as short and sleeve sponsors.[50] On March 23, 2021, the team announced AT&T as its new sleeve sponsor.[51]

Development system edit

Reserve team edit

Main article: Atlanta United 2

On November 14, 2017, Atlanta United announced that they would be launching a reserve team to compete in the United Soccer League, the second division of American soccer.[52] Club president Darren Eales said that the new team was launched to "bridge the gap between our best in class academy and our First Team." The team, Atlanta United 2, began play in the Eastern Conference of what is now called USL Championship in the 2018 season.

Youth academy edit

Atlanta United operate a youth academy that competes in the United States Soccer Development Academy.[53] The academy began play in the 2016–2017 USSDA season and has seven youth teams: U-19, U-17, U-16, U-15, U-14, U-13 and U-12. Participation in the academy is free for all players and participants are eligible to be signed to the Atlanta United first team as a Homegrown Player. The club has signed six players to first-team contracts and three players to reserve team contracts since the academy launched.[54]

In addition to its USSDA programs, the academy also operates a soccer development program to identify players playing for local youth clubs and promote them to the academy.[55] The club also operates the Atlanta United Regional Development School, a pre-academy feeder program for players aged 8–14 to provide training and development for advanced local players and identify potential academy players, as well as the United Juniors Program, a special development program to provide supplemental development for U-12 players playing for other Atlanta-area youth clubs.[56]

Stadium and team facilities edit

Home stadiums edit

Mercedes-Benz Stadium edit

Main article: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Capacity and atmosphere edit

The club shares Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. The club typically curtains off the upper level of the stadium[20][3] to create a more intimate atmosphere for soccer.[57] For most games, Mercedes-Benz Stadium holds 42,500 people. The team used the curtains for six of nine home matches during the inaugural season. When expanded to full capacity, the stadium can hold 71,000 people, with standing room for at least 73,019 people (based on attendance at MLS Cup 2018—at the time, the largest single-match crowd in MLS history). To create a better match-day experience, stands are retractable to accommodate a larger field and allow better sight lines. When Atlanta was announced as an expansion team, Blank vowed, "There will never be an MLS game in Atlanta where NFL lines are shown on the field."[3]

Construction delays edit

In January 2016, the opening of the stadium was delayed three months to June 2017.[58] The team was originally scheduled to move into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 30, 2017; however, the complexity of the eight-panel retractable roof caused another delay in the stadium's opening. As the team could not use Bobby Dodd Stadium in August due to Georgia Tech having priority,[59] the rivalry match against Orlando City was moved up one day from July 30 to 29, and two home fixtures originally scheduled to be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in August were moved to September.[60] The team's first match in the stadium took place on September 10, 2017, against FC Dallas.

Training facilities and team headquarters edit

In August 2015, the club announced plans for training facilities, academy facilities, and sporting headquarters in Decatur.[61] However, the results of an environmental and geotechnical feasibility study found that the site on Memorial Drive was unfeasible, and in November 2015 plans for the facility were canceled.[62] Instead, the facility was built on a 33-acre plot on Franklin Gateway in Marietta. On April 11, 2017, the $60 million facility was opened, named the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. The facility includes a 30,000 square foot building that acts as the club's sporting headquarters and houses locker rooms for the first team, reserve team, and academy teams, a full-service dining hall, and sports science facilities including a gymnasium and two hydrotherapy plunge pools.[63] The facility also includes six outdoor training fields, including a showcase field with a stand that can seat 2,500 spectators. On March 28, 2019, the Marietta City Council agreed to sell an additional 17 acres (6.9 ha) of land to the club to expand the training facilities as well as extend the lease on the existing facility on city-owned land by an additional five years.[64]

Bobby Dodd Stadium edit

 
A view of Bobby Dodd Stadium, where Atlanta United played part of its inaugural season in 2017.

The first team played its home matches in the first half of the 2017 MLS season at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium due to delays in the construction of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.[65][66] Although the club sought a balanced home-and-away schedule during their spell at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta United did not play any home matches from March 19 to April 29 to avoid conflicts with the Yellow Jackets' spring football scrimmages.[67] According to club officials, the Georgia Dome was not considered a viable option to temporarily host the team, since delaying the Dome's planned demolition would have also delayed the completion of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.[68]

Club culture edit

Supporters edit

Atlanta United has 6 officially recognized supporter groups: Terminus Legion, Resurgence, Footie Mob, The Faction, LA 12 de Atlanta and All Stripes.[69]

Terminus Legion is a supporter group that was created in March 2011 by graphic designer Matt Stigall, who wanted a way to show that Atlanta fans would support soccer despite the perception of the city as a "lazy sports town". The group was named after the name given to Atlanta when it was first settled, and its logo featuring a cow catcher and railroad ties reflect the city's history as a locomotive hub. In the days since the expansion team was awarded, its membership doubled to over 500, and in the time leading up to 2017, Stigall said the group would support "all Atlanta soccer" including the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL and at the grassroots level, and make road trips to rival Orlando City matches.[70]

Footie Mob is a supporter group established in 2014, their name a take on Atlanta hip-hop group Goodie Mob. The group is known for pre-game tailgating and incorporating Atlanta's music culture into the supporter culture.[71]

By December 2015, the supporters of the new MLS team had already pledged to purchase more than 29,000 season tickets.[72] As of December 2017, the team had more than 36,000 season ticket holders.[73]

All Stripes is an LGBTQ+ supporter group established in 2017 that became official in 2022.[74][75]

La 12 de Atlanta is a supporters group, established in 2016, that celebrates latino culture and influence on soccer that also became official in 2022.

In 2018, the Bleacher Report declared Atlanta the "Black Soccer Capital of America" due to the emerging presence of African-Americans supporting Atlanta United.[76]

Attendance edit

On September 12, 2017, Atlanta United announced that the team had sold more than 69,256 tickets for the September 16 match against Orlando City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, breaking the league record for single-match attendance. The previous record of 69,255 tickets sold was held by LA Galaxy. The game's official attendance was 70,425, making Atlanta the first MLS team to surpass 70,000 in attendance for a non-doubleheader match.[77]

On October 5, 2017, the team announced they had sold more than 70,456 tickets for the October 22 match against Toronto FC.[78] This allowed the team to break both the record for highest average attendance in a season for MLS (held by Seattle Sounders), as well as the record for highest average attendance in a season for professional soccer in the United States, which was held by New York Cosmos. The game's official attendance was 71,874, which broke the MLS single-match attendance record for a second time.[79][80] Atlanta finished the season with an average attendance of 48,200 for MLS regular season games, a number higher than that of multiple major clubs such as English sides Everton and Chelsea.[81][82]

On March 11, 2018, the team broke the league single-match attendance record for the third time, selling 72,035 tickets for their 2018 season home opener against D.C. United.[83]

On June 30, 2018, fans set another record with 71,932 in attendance, more than any other soccer game happening that day in the world, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.[84]

On July 15, 2018, the team again set the league single-match attendance record with 72,243 in attendance.[85]

Atlanta broke the league record for average regular-season attendance again in 2018, breaking their 2017 record and becoming the first MLS team to average more than 50,000 in attendance with an average attendance of 53,002.[86]

On December 8, 2018, Atlanta United won its first MLS Cup before a crowd of 73,019, the largest non-doubleheader crowd in league history.[1]

On August 3, 2019, the team set another single-match attendance record, with 72,548 in attendance for their home matchup against the LA Galaxy.[87]

Traditions edit

 
A fan signs the Golden Spike prior to the game on November 11, 2018

During their inaugural season, Atlanta United introduced a ritual called the Golden Spike in a nod to the city's railroad history. Prior to the game, players and supporters sign a large golden railroad spike, which is then marched into the stadium by supporters and hammered into a platform by a local VIP while the crowd chants "A-T-L!" Additionally, after each Atlanta United win, the player voted as the Man of the Match hammers a spike.[88][89] Local celebrities that took part in the Golden Spike tradition during 2017 included hip hop artists 2 Chainz, Yung Joc, and Waka Flocka, as well as country musician Zac Brown, retired Atlanta Braves star Andruw Jones, and Atlanta basketball players Tiffany Hayes and Dennis Schröder.[90] Atlanta native rap artist Archie Eversole also participated in the Golden Spike tradition and would later compose a rap anthem for the club entitled "United We Conquer."[91][92] In 2018, notable celebrity participants included singer T-Pain,[93] Dutch soccer legend Edgar Davids,[94] Atlanta multi-sports star Brian Jordan,[95] boxing legend Evander Holyfield and his son Elijah Holyfield,[96] and rappers Jeezy,[97] Killer Mike,[98] and Big Boi.[99] At MLS Cup 2018, owner Arthur Blank hammered the Spike.[100] 2019 saw celebrities such as wrestling legend Ric Flair,[101] Hollywood icon Ron Howard,[102] hip hop group Goodie Mob,[103] and basketball star Dikembe Mutombo[104] participate in the tradition.

The first signing of the Golden Spike at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, September 10, 2017.

Ownership edit

Main article: Arthur Blank
 
Arthur Blank owns the club.

Atlanta United FC's principal owner is Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot. It is a component of AMB Sports & Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Blank Family of Businesses that also includes the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.[105][106][107]

Players edit

Roster edit

As of February 10, 2024[108]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
18 FW   HAI Derrick Etienne
20 MF   COL Edwin Mosquera
21 DF   BOL Efrain Morales
22 GK   USA Josh Cohen
23 MF   USA Adyn Torres
24 DF   USA Noah Cobb
25 MF   USA Luke Brennan
26 DF   USA Caleb Wiley
28 FW   USA Tyler Wolff
29 FW   SEN Jamal Thiaré
30 MF   BRA Nicolas Firmino
31 GK   USA Quentin Westberg
35 MF   TRI Ajani Fortune
— MF   USA Erik Centeno

Out on loan edit

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— MF   ARG Franco Ibarra (on loan to Rosario Central)
— MF   ARG Santiago Sosa (on loan to Racing Club)

Reserved numbers edit

See also: Retired numbers in association football and List of Atlanta United FC players

On February 10, 2017, Atlanta United announced that the number 17 would be reserved for the fans. The number marks the year of the team's inaugural season in MLS. "Atlanta United aims to recognize that from the very beginning, the fans, the city, and the people define the spirit and essence of this club," the team explained in the official statement regarding the number's dedication.[109]

On January 22, 2021, the club also reserved for the 2021 MLS season the number 44. Following the death of Hank Aaron, a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee who played for the local MLB club from 1966 to 1974 at 86, Atlanta-area sports teams on the amateur and professional level agreed to retire Aaron's 44 regardless of sport as a tribute.[110]

Broadcasting edit

Rights to all Atlanta United FC first team matches not broadcast by MLS' national television partners were originally held by Bally Sports. Most of the team's games were televised by either Bally Sports South or Bally Sports Southeast, which also carried team programming. A small number of matches were broadcast on over-the-air television by WUPA in the event of scheduling conflicts with the two channels. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.[111][112]

Beginning in September 2020 (and for some services even earlier) as a result of negotiating issues with Sinclair Broadcast Group and streaming services FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu Live TV, fans in the local Atlanta metro area and corresponding TV market's ability to view Atlanta United games on regional sports networks became greatly reduced.[113] This issue was rectified when rights to every MLS game became exclusive to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ in 2023, with select broadcasts simultaneously broadcast on WAGA and through its affiliated networks.[114]

Kevin Egan served as the team's local television play-by-play announcer from 2017 to 2022. Starting in 2021, former MLS midfielder Maurice Edu was the color commentator, with Jillian Sakovits serving as the pre- and post-game show host and sideline reporter from 2018 to 2022.[115][116]

Beginning in 2017, radio rights have been held by WZGC/92.9 The Game, with other Audacy stations being used as an overflow (including WSTR (FM)). Mike Conti (play-by-play) and Jason Longshore (color) are the commentators.[117] This did not change after the 2023 TV rights deal, as MLS does not enforce an internet streaming blackout with its radio partners.[citation needed]

Rights to Atlanta United 2 matches were held by ESPN as part of the USL's broadcast agreement until ATL UTD 2 joined MLS Next Pro in 2023. Prior to 2023, games were streamed online on ESPN+ with Jon Nelson as the play-by-play announcer and Jason Longshore as color commentator.[118]

Staff edit

Technical staff edit

Role Name Nationality
Head coach Gonzalo Pineda   Mexico
Assistant coach Eugenio Villazón   Mexico
Assistant coach Diego de la Torre   Mexico
Assistant coach Rob Valentino   United States
Goalkeeper coach Liam Curran   Australia
Head athletic trainer Mario Cruz   United States
Goalkeeper coach Lewis Sharpe   England
Fitness coach, reserve team Ricardo Oliveira   Brazil
Academy director Matt Lawrey   United States
Fitness coach Jack Kimber   England
Fitness coach, head of academy sports science, strength & conditioning Josh Stewart

[119]

Executive staff edit

Role Name Nationality
Owner Arthur Blank   United States
President Garth Lagerwey   United States
Chief financial officer Andrew Skorupski   United States
Vice president, technical director Carlos Bocanegra   United States
Head of international player recruitment & development Jonathan Spector   United States
Vice president, soccer operations & strategy Dimitrios Efstathiou
Director of communications Chris Winkler
Vice president of business operations Georgia O'Donoghue

[119]

President history

Head coach history

Coach Country Start End
Gerardo "Tata" Martino   September 27, 2016 December 10, 2018
Frank de Boer   December 23, 2018 July 24, 2020
Stephen Glass (interim)   July 27, 2020 December 12, 2020
Gabriel Heinze   December 18, 2020 July 18, 2021
Rob Valentino (interim)   July 18, 2021 August 12, 2021
Gonzalo Pineda   August 12, 2021 Present

Honors edit

Domestic trophies edit

Continental trophies edit

Records edit

Main article: List of Atlanta United FC records and statistics

Seasons edit

Main article: List of Atlanta United FC seasons

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by Atlanta. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Atlanta United FC seasons.

Season League Position Playoffs USOC Continental / Other Average
attendance 		Top goalscorer(s)
Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall Name(s) Goals
2018 34 21 7 6 70 44 +26 69 2.03 2nd 2nd W Ro16 DNQ 53,002   Josef Martínez 35♦
2019 34 18 12 4 58 43 +15 58 1.71 2nd 3rd SF W CONCACAF Champions League
Campeones Cup 		QF
W
52,510   Josef Martínez 33
2020 23 6 13 4 23 30 -7 22 0.96 12th 23rd DNQ NH CONCACAF Champions League
MLS is Back Tournament 		QF
GS 		27,193   Jon Gallagher
  Gonzalo Martínez 		4
2021 34 13 9 12 45 37 +8 51 1.50 5th 9th R1 NH CONCACAF Champions League QF 43,964   Josef Martínez 12
2022 34 10 14 10 48 54 -6 40 1.18 11th 23rd DNQ R4 DNQ 47,116   Josef Martínez 9

^ 1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ 2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in League, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back Tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

International competitions edit

Competition Season Round Opposition Home Away Aggregate
CONCACAF Champions League 2019 Round of 16   Herediano 4–0 1–3 5–3
Quarter-finals   Monterrey 1–0 0–3 1–3
2020 Round of 16   Motagua 3–0 1–1 4–1
Quarter-finals   América 1–0 0–3 1–3
2021 Round of 16   Alajuelense 1–0 1–0 2–0
Quarter-finals   Philadelphia Union 0–3 1–1 1–4
Campeones Cup 2019 Final   América 3–2
Leagues Cup 2023 Group Stage   Inter Miami 0–4
  Cruz Azul 1–1 (4–5p)

Goals edit

As of May 29, 2023[120]
# Pos. Name Nation Career MLS Playoffs USOC INTL Total
1 Forward Josef Martínez   Venezuela 2017–2022 98 5 2 6 111
2 Midfielder Miguel Almirón   Paraguay 2017–2018 21 1 0 0 22
Forward Héctor Villalba   Paraguay 2017–2019 21 1 0 0 22
4 Midfielder Julian Gressel   United States 2017–2019 15 2 1 2 20
5 Midfielder Esequiel Barco   Argentina 2018– 17 0 1 1 19
6 Midfielder Marcelino Moreno   Argentina 2020– 13 0 1 0 14
7 Midfielder Thiago Almada   Argentina 2022– 12 0 1 0 13
Midfielder Luiz Araújo   Brazil 2021– 11 0 2 0 13
9 Midfielder Pity Martínez   Argentina 2019–2020 7 0 2 2 11
10 Forward Giorgos Giakoumakis   Greece 2023– 10 0 0 0 14

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Roberson, Doug (December 9, 2018). "Atlanta United sets MLS Cup attendance record". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  2. ^ Badenhausen, Kurt (July 14, 2021). "Los Angeles FC Tops Sportico's 2021 MLS Valuations at $860 million". Sportico. from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "Atlanta Lands MLS Expansion Team for 2017". Fox Sports. Associated Press. April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  4. ^ "Falcons owner Blank puts in bid for MLS franchise". USA Today. October 14, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  5. ^ Manasso, John (January 16, 2009). "Blank withdraws MLS soccer team bid". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
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External links edit

 
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February 15, 2024
atlanta, united, confused, with, atalanta, american, professional, soccer, club, based, atlanta, that, competes, major, league, soccer, member, league, eastern, conference, atlanta, unitedfull, namenickname, five, stripesshort, nameatl, utdfoundedapril, 2014, . Not to be confused with Atalanta BC Atlanta United FC is an American professional soccer club based in Atlanta that competes in Major League Soccer MLS as a member of the league s Eastern Conference Atlanta UnitedFull nameAtlanta United FCNickname s The Five StripesShort nameATL UTDFoundedApril 16 2014 9 years ago 2014 04 16 StadiumMercedes Benz StadiumCapacity42 500 expandable to 71 000 standing room to at least 73 019 1 OwnerArthur BlankPresidentGarth LagerweyHead coachGonzalo PinedaLeagueMajor League Soccer2023Eastern Conference 6thOverall 10thPlayoffs First roundWebsiteClub websiteHome colorsAway colorsThird colorsCurrent seasonFounded in 2014 Atlanta United began play as an MLS expansion team in 2017 as the twenty second team in the league It is the first MLS franchise to be based in Atlanta and the club plays home games at the Mercedes Benz Stadium which they share with the city s National Football League NFL franchise the Atlanta Falcons Both are owned by Arthur Blank co founder of The Home Depot The club also owns Atlanta United 2 a reserve team that competes in MLS Next Pro Gerardo Martino was appointed as the club s first head coach and guided Atlanta to their first playoff appearance in the team s debut season before securing the team s first trophy in just their second season by winning MLS Cup 2018 Atlanta has set several league records for highest single match and average attendance In 2021 Sportico estimated the club was the second most valuable in the league worth approximately 845 million 2 Contents 1 History 1 1 Initial expansion proposals 1 2 MLS expansion bid 1 3 Inaugural season 1 4 Champions in two seasons 1 5 2019 present 2 Colors and badge 2 1 Symbols 2 2 Kits 2 2 1 Home 2 2 2 Away 2 2 3 Third 2 3 Sponsorship 3 Development system 3 1 Reserve team 3 2 Youth academy 4 Stadium and team facilities 4 1 Home stadiums 4 2 Mercedes Benz Stadium 4 2 1 Capacity and atmosphere 4 2 2 Construction delays 4 3 Training facilities and team headquarters 4 4 Bobby Dodd Stadium 5 Club culture 5 1 Supporters 5 2 Attendance 5 3 Traditions 6 Ownership 7 Players 7 1 Roster 7 2 Out on loan 7 3 Reserved numbers 8 Broadcasting 9 Staff 9 1 Technical staff 9 2 Executive staff 10 Honors 10 1 Domestic trophies 10 2 Continental trophies 11 Records 11 1 Seasons 11 2 International competitions 11 3 Goals 12 References 13 External linksHistory editInitial expansion proposals edit At the time the team was announced Atlanta was the largest metropolitan area without an MLS franchise 3 Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank s AMB Sports and Entertainment Group had submitted a bid for an expansion franchise in 2008 4 but withdrew the bid in early 2009 due to state and local government budget shortfalls and Blank s inability to find partners to build an appropriate stadium for the proposed team 5 On July 10 2010 Dan Courtemanche MLS s executive vice president of communications said that despite the bid withdrawal regular discussions with Blank regarding Atlanta s potential as an expansion market were occurring 6 MLS expansion bid edit On May 31 2011 the NHL s Atlanta Thrashers were sold to True North Sports amp Entertainment who announced that they would relocate the team to Winnipeg and rebrand as the Winnipeg Jets 7 The Thrashers relocation helped restart the efforts and talks of bringing an MLS expansion team to Atlanta 8 In May 2012 while the Falcons proposed new stadium was going through the approval process MLS commissioner Don Garber cited Atlanta as one of three intriguing markets for future league expansion 9 Additionally when Blank presented his case for a new stadium at the Falcons annual meeting with season ticket holders he stated that an additional benefit of the new stadium was that it could help attract a Major League Soccer franchise and potentially host World Cup matches 10 Later that year in November Garber said if the Falcons could complete plans for a new stadium MLS would try to figure out how an MLS team could be part of their plans 11 Rich McKay Falcons president and CEO said in 2013 that the team was open to various options including its ownership of a team or someone else owning a team 12 Dan Courtemanche said We are big believers in the Atlanta market and cited the city s growing Hispanic population and corporations that could serve as its sponsors 12 Then in March 2013 the city and the Falcons agreed to financing terms 13 and in May 2013 the Georgia Department of Economic Development board approved 30 million in bonds to finance the land purchase for the new stadium 14 The stadium was set to open in 2017 and could be configured for professional soccer 12 Atlanta remained at the top of the list for an MLS expansion team as Garber in the December 2013 MLS State of the League address emphasized that it was a goal to continue to expand in the Southeast and added if we can continue to advance our discussions positively with Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons we hope to be able to get a situation finalized so that could potentially be our second team Orlando being the first maybe Atlanta or Miami would be the second or the third 15 16 In December 2013 Garber said the league was making progress in discussions with the Falcons and that the stadium situation was finalized 17 Negotiations continued as Courtemanche said in January 2014 that Atlanta remains a great prospect for MLS expansion 18 and in February 2014 Rich McKay confirmed the parties were far along in negotiations 19 On April 16 2014 Blank announced that MLS had awarded an expansion franchise to his group and the team would begin play in 2017 Atlanta became the second franchise awarded in the Southeastern United States in five months following the Orlando City SC announcement in late 2013 The Southeast had been without an MLS team since the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny were dissolved in 2001 20 Inaugural season edit See also 2017 Atlanta United FC season Atlanta s first regular season MLS game was played on March 5 2017 at Bobby Dodd Stadium with 55 297 in attendance Yamil Asad scored the first goal in team history in a 2 1 loss to New York Red Bulls 21 A week later the team registered its first win with a 6 1 away defeat of fellow expansion team Minnesota United FC 22 On March 18 2017 the team registered its first win at home beating Chicago Fire who went down to ten men in the eleventh minute 4 0 in front of a sold out Bobby Dodd Stadium 23 Following its move to Mercedes Benz Stadium the team continued leading the league in attendance and averaged more than 48 000 in its home league matches breaking records for attendance for a non doubleheader MLS game and average single season attendance for a U S soccer team Atlanta clinched a berth in the playoffs becoming the third MLS expansion team to do so in their inaugural season by finishing tied for third place in the Eastern Conference due to tiebreaking rules Atlanta was seeded fourth In its first playoff game the team faced Columbus Crew and set a then MLS attendance record for a playoff game with 67 221 spectators in attendance After 120 minutes of scoreless action the match was decided by a penalty shoot out which Columbus won 3 1 to eliminate Atlanta 24 Champions in two seasons edit See also 2018 Atlanta United FC season nbsp Josef Martinez was MLS MVP as Atlanta won the championship in 2018In their second season Atlanta finished second in the Eastern Conference as well as the Supporters Shield The club qualified for the playoffs for the second year in a row advancing to MLS Cup 2018 after beating New York City FC and New York Red Bulls In the final on December 8 the team beat Portland Timbers bringing the city of Atlanta its first major sports championship since MLB s Atlanta Braves won the 1995 World Series 1 The win qualified Atlanta for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League marking the first time Atlanta qualified for continental competition The win also allowed Martino who had announced earlier in the season that he would not return for the 2019 campaign to end his two year tenure on a high note 25 Josef Martinez was named league MVP 26 while Martino was named Coach of the Year 27 In the second edition of the Campeones Cup Atlanta defeated Club America 3 2 winning the trophy and becoming the first club from United States to defeat a Mexican side in the cup match 28 2019 present edit See also 2019 Atlanta United FC season Martino left the club following their MLS Cup triumph in order to take over as manager of the Mexico national team He was replaced by Frank de Boer De Boer led the club to wins in both the U S Open Cup and Campeones Cup but after beating the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union in the MLS Playoffs Atlanta United were eliminated in the conference finals by Toronto FC The 2020 season started brightly for United with two wins in two matches before the season was postponed due to the COVID 19 pandemic Following a nearly four month layoff United participated in the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando Florida losing all three of their matches Following their elimination from the MLS is Back Tournament De Boer and Atlanta United mutually agreed to end his relationship with the club 29 He was replaced on an interim basis by Stephen Glass who led the club following the resumption of league play in August At the end of 2020 former Argentina international defender Gabriel Heinze signed a two year contract to be the next head coach 30 During the offseason prior to the 2021 MLS season Atlanta United brought in 9 new players including Santiago Sosa and veteran striker Lisandro Lopez 31 On April 6 2021 United played their first game of the 2021 season beating Costa Rican side Alajuelense 1 0 32 The match marked the return of striker Josef Martinez who had missed the entirety of the 2020 season due to a torn ACL 33 On April 13 2021 Atlanta United beat Costa Rican side Alajuelense 2 0 on aggregate to advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League citation needed In their largest home defeat to date they lost the first leg of the quarterfinals to Philadelphia Union on April 27 2021 by a score of 3 0 citation needed On July 18 2021 Atlanta United announced the firing of head coach Gabriel Heinze after the team hit a club record eight game winless streak with only two wins out of their first thirteen games of the 2021 MLS season Heinze s interim replacement was Atlanta United assistant coach Rob Valentino 34 On August 12 2021 former Mexican international and Seattle Sounders FC assistant coach Gonzalo Pineda was named the fourth permanent head coach in club history 35 with his first match away to D C United on August 21 Valentino remained with the club as an assistant coach On November 7 2021 Atlanta United clinched a spot in the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs after a 2 1 victory over FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium 36 Colors and badge edit nbsp An Atlanta United mural located in Decatur GeorgiaArthur Blank stated that fans would be involved in choosing the name logo and a color scheme that ll work with the red and black with gold 37 the colors used by the Falcons when they launched in 1966 38 On June 25 2015 Sports Illustrated reported that Atlanta s expansion team would be named Atlanta United FC The official announcement of the team s name took place on July 7 39 Atlanta United president Darren Eales explained that the name was chosen based on a survey of the team s supporters and used words the supporters most positively related to the potential team 40 41 Eales also stated that the Founders Group meeting would still be held on July 7 and the logo for the new team would be unveiled 40 Symbols edit The team s name logo and colors were unveiled on July 7 2015 The logo features a circle reminiscent of the city s seal and Olympic heritage with a bold A at the center of the circle Behind the A are five black and red stripes representing the five pillars of the team unity determination community excellence and innovation 42 The team s official colors are black for strength and power red or Victory Red as the team calls it for pride and passion and gold for a commitment to excellence 43 The team has become unofficially known as The Five Stripes which correlates to the five stripes on the team s inaugural home kits 44 Kits edit In February 2019 on the heels of the club s first MLS championship Atlanta unveiled a new primary kit for the upcoming 2019 season The new design is nicknamed Star and Stripes and was created by Adidas 45 Changes include a move from five thick stripes to nine thinner stripes on the front red socks instead of black and a gold star above the team crest 46 In February 2021 Atlanta United announced a new primary kit for the 2021 season The design is named the BLVCK kit and is United s first all black kit Home edit nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2017 2018 nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2019 2020 nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2021 22 nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2023 Away edit nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2017 nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2017 Away Alt nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2018 2019 nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2020 2021 nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2022 Third edit nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2021 nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp 2023 Sponsorship edit Season Kit sponsor Shirt sponsor Sleeve sponsor2016 Adidas American Family Insurance 2017 20202020 Piedmont HospitalTruist Financial2021 AT amp T2022 present Piedmont HospitalOn July 12 2016 the team announced American Family Insurance as its primary jersey sponsor for the first team The terms and length of the contract were not disclosed 47 Truist is the official kit sponsor at the youth academy level 48 On February 4 2020 the club announced that it had expanded its partnership with local healthcare provider Piedmont Healthcare As part of the partnership expansion Piedmont became the first team s sleeve sponsor and the main sponsor for the reserve team 49 Later the team announced Truist Financial and NAPA as short and sleeve sponsors 50 On March 23 2021 the team announced AT amp T as its new sleeve sponsor 51 Development system editReserve team edit Main article Atlanta United 2 On November 14 2017 Atlanta United announced that they would be launching a reserve team to compete in the United Soccer League the second division of American soccer 52 Club president Darren Eales said that the new team was launched to bridge the gap between our best in class academy and our First Team The team Atlanta United 2 began play in the Eastern Conference of what is now called USL Championship in the 2018 season Youth academy edit Atlanta United operate a youth academy that competes in the United States Soccer Development Academy 53 The academy began play in the 2016 2017 USSDA season and has seven youth teams U 19 U 17 U 16 U 15 U 14 U 13 and U 12 Participation in the academy is free for all players and participants are eligible to be signed to the Atlanta United first team as a Homegrown Player The club has signed six players to first team contracts and three players to reserve team contracts since the academy launched 54 In addition to its USSDA programs the academy also operates a soccer development program to identify players playing for local youth clubs and promote them to the academy 55 The club also operates the Atlanta United Regional Development School a pre academy feeder program for players aged 8 14 to provide training and development for advanced local players and identify potential academy players as well as the United Juniors Program a special development program to provide supplemental development for U 12 players playing for other Atlanta area youth clubs 56 Stadium and team facilities editHome stadiums edit Name Location YearsBobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta Georgia 2017Mercedes Benz Stadium Atlanta Georgia 2017 presentFifth Third Bank Stadium Kennesaw Georgia 2017 present 4 matches in U S Open Cup 3 matches in CONCACAF Champions LeagueMercedes Benz Stadium edit Main article Mercedes Benz Stadium Capacity and atmosphere edit The club shares Mercedes Benz Stadium with the NFL s Atlanta Falcons The club typically curtains off the upper level of the stadium 20 3 to create a more intimate atmosphere for soccer 57 For most games Mercedes Benz Stadium holds 42 500 people The team used the curtains for six of nine home matches during the inaugural season When expanded to full capacity the stadium can hold 71 000 people with standing room for at least 73 019 people based on attendance at MLS Cup 2018 at the time the largest single match crowd in MLS history To create a better match day experience stands are retractable to accommodate a larger field and allow better sight lines When Atlanta was announced as an expansion team Blank vowed There will never be an MLS game in Atlanta where NFL lines are shown on the field 3 Construction delays edit In January 2016 the opening of the stadium was delayed three months to June 2017 58 The team was originally scheduled to move into Mercedes Benz Stadium on July 30 2017 however the complexity of the eight panel retractable roof caused another delay in the stadium s opening As the team could not use Bobby Dodd Stadium in August due to Georgia Tech having priority 59 the rivalry match against Orlando City was moved up one day from July 30 to 29 and two home fixtures originally scheduled to be held at Mercedes Benz Stadium in August were moved to September 60 The team s first match in the stadium took place on September 10 2017 against FC Dallas Training facilities and team headquarters edit In August 2015 the club announced plans for training facilities academy facilities and sporting headquarters in Decatur 61 However the results of an environmental and geotechnical feasibility study found that the site on Memorial Drive was unfeasible and in November 2015 plans for the facility were canceled 62 Instead the facility was built on a 33 acre plot on Franklin Gateway in Marietta On April 11 2017 the 60 million facility was opened named the Children s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground The facility includes a 30 000 square foot building that acts as the club s sporting headquarters and houses locker rooms for the first team reserve team and academy teams a full service dining hall and sports science facilities including a gymnasium and two hydrotherapy plunge pools 63 The facility also includes six outdoor training fields including a showcase field with a stand that can seat 2 500 spectators On March 28 2019 the Marietta City Council agreed to sell an additional 17 acres 6 9 ha of land to the club to expand the training facilities as well as extend the lease on the existing facility on city owned land by an additional five years 64 Bobby Dodd Stadium edit nbsp A view of Bobby Dodd Stadium where Atlanta United played part of its inaugural season in 2017 The first team played its home matches in the first half of the 2017 MLS season at Georgia Tech s Bobby Dodd Stadium due to delays in the construction of Mercedes Benz Stadium 65 66 Although the club sought a balanced home and away schedule during their spell at Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta United did not play any home matches from March 19 to April 29 to avoid conflicts with the Yellow Jackets spring football scrimmages 67 According to club officials the Georgia Dome was not considered a viable option to temporarily host the team since delaying the Dome s planned demolition would have also delayed the completion of Mercedes Benz Stadium 68 Club culture editSupporters edit Atlanta United has 6 officially recognized supporter groups Terminus Legion Resurgence Footie Mob The Faction LA 12 de Atlanta and All Stripes 69 Terminus Legion is a supporter group that was created in March 2011 by graphic designer Matt Stigall who wanted a way to show that Atlanta fans would support soccer despite the perception of the city as a lazy sports town The group was named after the name given to Atlanta when it was first settled and its logo featuring a cow catcher and railroad ties reflect the city s history as a locomotive hub In the days since the expansion team was awarded its membership doubled to over 500 and in the time leading up to 2017 Stigall said the group would support all Atlanta soccer including the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL and at the grassroots level and make road trips to rival Orlando City matches 70 Footie Mob is a supporter group established in 2014 their name a take on Atlanta hip hop group Goodie Mob The group is known for pre game tailgating and incorporating Atlanta s music culture into the supporter culture 71 By December 2015 the supporters of the new MLS team had already pledged to purchase more than 29 000 season tickets 72 As of December 2017 the team had more than 36 000 season ticket holders 73 All Stripes is an LGBTQ supporter group established in 2017 that became official in 2022 74 75 La 12 de Atlanta is a supporters group established in 2016 that celebrates latino culture and influence on soccer that also became official in 2022 In 2018 the Bleacher Report declared Atlanta the Black Soccer Capital of America due to the emerging presence of African Americans supporting Atlanta United 76 Attendance edit On September 12 2017 Atlanta United announced that the team had sold more than 69 256 tickets for the September 16 match against Orlando City at Mercedes Benz Stadium breaking the league record for single match attendance The previous record of 69 255 tickets sold was held by LA Galaxy The game s official attendance was 70 425 making Atlanta the first MLS team to surpass 70 000 in attendance for a non doubleheader match 77 On October 5 2017 the team announced they had sold more than 70 456 tickets for the October 22 match against Toronto FC 78 This allowed the team to break both the record for highest average attendance in a season for MLS held by Seattle Sounders as well as the record for highest average attendance in a season for professional soccer in the United States which was held by New York Cosmos The game s official attendance was 71 874 which broke the MLS single match attendance record for a second time 79 80 Atlanta finished the season with an average attendance of 48 200 for MLS regular season games a number higher than that of multiple major clubs such as English sides Everton and Chelsea 81 82 On March 11 2018 the team broke the league single match attendance record for the third time selling 72 035 tickets for their 2018 season home opener against D C United 83 On June 30 2018 fans set another record with 71 932 in attendance more than any other soccer game happening that day in the world including the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia 84 On July 15 2018 the team again set the league single match attendance record with 72 243 in attendance 85 Atlanta broke the league record for average regular season attendance again in 2018 breaking their 2017 record and becoming the first MLS team to average more than 50 000 in attendance with an average attendance of 53 002 86 On December 8 2018 Atlanta United won its first MLS Cup before a crowd of 73 019 the largest non doubleheader crowd in league history 1 On August 3 2019 the team set another single match attendance record with 72 548 in attendance for their home matchup against the LA Galaxy 87 Traditions edit nbsp A fan signs the Golden Spike prior to the game on November 11 2018During their inaugural season Atlanta United introduced a ritual called the Golden Spike in a nod to the city s railroad history Prior to the game players and supporters sign a large golden railroad spike which is then marched into the stadium by supporters and hammered into a platform by a local VIP while the crowd chants A T L Additionally after each Atlanta United win the player voted as the Man of the Match hammers a spike 88 89 Local celebrities that took part in the Golden Spike tradition during 2017 included hip hop artists 2 Chainz Yung Joc and Waka Flocka as well as country musician Zac Brown retired Atlanta Braves star Andruw Jones and Atlanta basketball players Tiffany Hayes and Dennis Schroder 90 Atlanta native rap artist Archie Eversole also participated in the Golden Spike tradition and would later compose a rap anthem for the club entitled United We Conquer 91 92 In 2018 notable celebrity participants included singer T Pain 93 Dutch soccer legend Edgar Davids 94 Atlanta multi sports star Brian Jordan 95 boxing legend Evander Holyfield and his son Elijah Holyfield 96 and rappers Jeezy 97 Killer Mike 98 and Big Boi 99 At MLS Cup 2018 owner Arthur Blank hammered the Spike 100 2019 saw celebrities such as wrestling legend Ric Flair 101 Hollywood icon Ron Howard 102 hip hop group Goodie Mob 103 and basketball star Dikembe Mutombo 104 participate in the tradition source source source source source source source source The first signing of the Golden Spike at Mercedes Benz Stadium September 10 2017 Ownership editMain article Arthur Blank nbsp Arthur Blank owns the club Atlanta United FC s principal owner is Arthur Blank co founder of Home Depot It is a component of AMB Sports amp Entertainment a subsidiary of the Blank Family of Businesses that also includes the NFL s Atlanta Falcons and Mercedes Benz Stadium 105 106 107 Players editRoster edit As of February 10 2024 108 Note Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules Players may hold more than one non FIFA nationality No Pos Nation Player1 GK nbsp USA Brad Guzan captain 2 DF nbsp VEN Ronald Hernandez3 DF nbsp IRL Derrick Williams4 DF nbsp PER Luis Abram5 DF nbsp NOR Stian Gregersen6 MF nbsp POL Bartosz Slisz7 FW nbsp GRE Giorgos Giakoumakis8 MF nbsp FRA Tristan Muyumba9 FW nbsp GEO Saba Lobzhanidze10 MF nbsp ARG Thiago Almada11 DF nbsp USA Brooks Lennon13 MF nbsp USA Dax McCarty14 DF nbsp USA Aiden McFadden16 FW nbsp POR Xande Silva No Pos Nation Player18 FW nbsp HAI Derrick Etienne20 MF nbsp COL Edwin Mosquera21 DF nbsp BOL Efrain Morales22 GK nbsp USA Josh Cohen23 MF nbsp USA Adyn Torres24 DF nbsp USA Noah Cobb25 MF nbsp USA Luke Brennan26 DF nbsp USA Caleb Wiley28 FW nbsp USA Tyler Wolff29 FW nbsp SEN Jamal Thiare30 MF nbsp BRA Nicolas Firmino31 GK nbsp USA Quentin Westberg35 MF nbsp TRI Ajani Fortune MF nbsp USA Erik CentenoOut on loan edit Note Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules Players may hold more than one non FIFA nationality No Pos Nation Player MF nbsp ARG Franco Ibarra on loan to Rosario Central MF nbsp ARG Santiago Sosa on loan to Racing Club Reserved numbers edit See also Retired numbers in association football and List of Atlanta United FC players On February 10 2017 Atlanta United announced that the number 17 would be reserved for the fans The number marks the year of the team s inaugural season in MLS Atlanta United aims to recognize that from the very beginning the fans the city and the people define the spirit and essence of this club the team explained in the official statement regarding the number s dedication 109 On January 22 2021 the club also reserved for the 2021 MLS season the number 44 Following the death of Hank Aaron a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee who played for the local MLB club from 1966 to 1974 at 86 Atlanta area sports teams on the amateur and professional level agreed to retire Aaron s 44 regardless of sport as a tribute 110 Broadcasting editRights to all Atlanta United FC first team matches not broadcast by MLS national television partners were originally held by Bally Sports Most of the team s games were televised by either Bally Sports South or Bally Sports Southeast which also carried team programming A small number of matches were broadcast on over the air television by WUPA in the event of scheduling conflicts with the two channels Financial details of the deal were not disclosed 111 112 Beginning in September 2020 and for some services even earlier as a result of negotiating issues with Sinclair Broadcast Group and streaming services FuboTV Sling TV YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV fans in the local Atlanta metro area and corresponding TV market s ability to view Atlanta United games on regional sports networks became greatly reduced 113 This issue was rectified when rights to every MLS game became exclusive to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in 2023 with select broadcasts simultaneously broadcast on WAGA and through its affiliated networks 114 Kevin Egan served as the team s local television play by play announcer from 2017 to 2022 Starting in 2021 former MLS midfielder Maurice Edu was the color commentator with Jillian Sakovits serving as the pre and post game show host and sideline reporter from 2018 to 2022 115 116 Beginning in 2017 radio rights have been held by WZGC 92 9 The Game with other Audacy stations being used as an overflow including WSTR FM Mike Conti play by play and Jason Longshore color are the commentators 117 This did not change after the 2023 TV rights deal as MLS does not enforce an internet streaming blackout with its radio partners citation needed Rights to Atlanta United 2 matches were held by ESPN as part of the USL s broadcast agreement until ATL UTD 2 joined MLS Next Pro in 2023 Prior to 2023 games were streamed online on ESPN with Jon Nelson as the play by play announcer and Jason Longshore as color commentator 118 Staff editTechnical staff edit Role Name NationalityHead coach Gonzalo Pineda nbsp MexicoAssistant coach Eugenio Villazon nbsp MexicoAssistant coach Diego de la Torre nbsp MexicoAssistant coach Rob Valentino nbsp United StatesGoalkeeper coach Liam Curran nbsp AustraliaHead athletic trainer Mario Cruz nbsp United StatesGoalkeeper coach Lewis Sharpe nbsp EnglandFitness coach reserve team Ricardo Oliveira nbsp BrazilAcademy director Matt Lawrey nbsp United StatesFitness coach Jack Kimber nbsp EnglandFitness coach head of academy sports science strength amp conditioning Josh Stewart 119 Executive staff edit Role Name NationalityOwner Arthur Blank nbsp United StatesPresident Garth Lagerwey nbsp United StatesChief financial officer Andrew Skorupski nbsp United StatesVice president technical director Carlos Bocanegra nbsp United StatesHead of international player recruitment amp development Jonathan Spector nbsp United StatesVice president soccer operations amp strategy Dimitrios EfstathiouDirector of communications Chris WinklerVice president of business operations Georgia O Donoghue 119 President history Darren Eales nbsp September 10 2014 August 24 2022 Garth Lagerway nbsp November 22 2022 presentHead coach history Coach Country Start EndGerardo Tata Martino nbsp September 27 2016 December 10 2018Frank de Boer nbsp December 23 2018 July 24 2020Stephen Glass interim nbsp July 27 2020 December 12 2020Gabriel Heinze nbsp December 18 2020 July 18 2021Rob Valentino interim nbsp July 18 2021 August 12 2021Gonzalo Pineda nbsp August 12 2021 PresentHonors editDomestic trophies edit MLS Cup Champions nbsp 2018 U S Open Cup Champions nbsp 2019 MLS Eastern Conference Championship Champions nbsp 2018Continental trophies edit Campeones Cup Champions nbsp 2019Records editMain article List of Atlanta United FC records and statistics Seasons edit Main article List of Atlanta United FC seasons This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by Atlanta For the full season by season history see List of Atlanta United FC seasons Season League Position Playoffs USOC Continental Other Average attendance Top goalscorer s Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf Overall Name s Goals2018 34 21 7 6 70 44 26 69 2 03 2nd 2nd W Ro16 DNQ 53 002 nbsp Josef Martinez 35 2019 34 18 12 4 58 43 15 58 1 71 2nd 3rd SF W CONCACAF Champions LeagueCampeones Cup QFW 52 510 nbsp Josef Martinez 332020 23 6 13 4 23 30 7 22 0 96 12th 23rd DNQ NH CONCACAF Champions LeagueMLS is Back Tournament QFGS 27 193 nbsp Jon Gallagher nbsp Gonzalo Martinez 42021 34 13 9 12 45 37 8 51 1 50 5th 9th R1 NH CONCACAF Champions League QF 43 964 nbsp Josef Martinez 122022 34 10 14 10 48 54 6 40 1 18 11th 23rd DNQ R4 DNQ 47 116 nbsp Josef Martinez 9 1 Avg attendance include statistics from league matches only 2 Top goalscorer s includes all goals scored in League MLS Cup Playoffs U S Open Cup MLS is Back Tournament CONCACAF Champions League FIFA Club World Cup and other competitive continental matches International competitions edit Competition Season Round Opposition Home Away AggregateCONCACAF Champions League 2019 Round of 16 nbsp Herediano 4 0 1 3 5 3Quarter finals nbsp Monterrey 1 0 0 3 1 32020 Round of 16 nbsp Motagua 3 0 1 1 4 1Quarter finals nbsp America 1 0 0 3 1 32021 Round of 16 nbsp Alajuelense 1 0 1 0 2 0Quarter finals nbsp Philadelphia Union 0 3 1 1 1 4Campeones Cup 2019 Final nbsp America 3 2Leagues Cup 2023 Group Stage nbsp Inter Miami 0 4 nbsp Cruz Azul 1 1 4 5p Goals edit As of May 29 2023 120 Pos Name Nation Career MLS Playoffs USOC INTL Total1 Forward Josef Martinez nbsp Venezuela 2017 2022 98 5 2 6 1112 Midfielder Miguel Almiron nbsp Paraguay 2017 2018 21 1 0 0 22Forward Hector Villalba nbsp Paraguay 2017 2019 21 1 0 0 224 Midfielder Julian Gressel nbsp United States 2017 2019 15 2 1 2 205 Midfielder Esequiel Barco nbsp Argentina 2018 17 0 1 1 196 Midfielder Marcelino Moreno nbsp Argentina 2020 13 0 1 0 147 Midfielder Thiago Almada nbsp Argentina 2022 12 0 1 0 13Midfielder Luiz Araujo nbsp Brazil 2021 11 0 2 0 139 Midfielder Pity Martinez nbsp Argentina 2019 2020 7 0 2 2 1110 Forward Giorgos Giakoumakis nbsp Greece 2023 10 0 0 0 14References edit a b c Roberson Doug December 9 2018 Atlanta United sets MLS Cup attendance record The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved December 9 2018 Badenhausen Kurt July 14 2021 Los Angeles FC Tops Sportico s 2021 MLS Valuations at 860 million Sportico Archived from the original on July 14 2021 Retrieved July 21 2021 a b c Atlanta Lands MLS Expansion Team for 2017 Fox Sports Associated Press April 16 2014 Retrieved April 16 2014 Falcons owner Blank puts in bid for MLS franchise USA Today October 14 2008 Retrieved June 7 2012 Manasso John January 16 2009 Blank withdraws MLS soccer team bid Atlanta Business Chronicle Retrieved August 27 2018 Roberson Doug July 15 2010 Atlanta may be considered by potential MLS owner The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved June 7 2012 Thrashers headed to Winnipeg ESPN June 1 2011 Retrieved June 7 2018 Lamle Keaton August 21 2017 46 000 fans a game Atlanta United s strange success far from soccer s heartland The Guardian Retrieved April 15 2018 Lalas Greg May 11 2012 MLS monitoring intriguing expansion cities after NY Major League Soccer Archived from the original on June 26 2015 Retrieved June 7 2012 Wheatley Thomas May 17 2012 Blank to season ticket holders new stadium could bring Major League Soccer team benefit nearby neighborhoods Creative Loafing Atlanta Retrieved February 15 2014 Goff Steven November 26 2012 MLS commissioner s state of league The Washington Post Retrieved August 8 2018 a b c Amy Wenk Maria Saporta April 26 2013 Falcons CEO Atlanta needs MLS team Atlanta Business Chronicle Retrieved December 3 2018 Terms for Falcons stadium reached ESPN Associated Press March 7 2013 Retrieved December 3 2018 Trubey J Scott May 23 2013 Bonds approved for Falcons stadium land purchase The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved December 3 2018 Galarcep Ives December 3 2013 GARBER REAFFIRMS MIAMI ATLANTA AS EXPANSION FAVORITES Soccer by Ives Archived from the original on September 24 2015 Retrieved December 3 2018 Straus Brian September 13 2013 MLS expansion team likely heading Atlanta s way Sports Illustrated Archived from the original on May 13 2014 Retrieved December 3 2018 Borg Simon December 3 2013 MLS commissioner Don Garber discusses expansion scheduling in latest State of the League address Major League Soccer Archived from the original on June 27 2015 Retrieved December 3 2018 Roberson Doug January 28 2014 Atlanta remains a candidate for MLS expansion The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved February 15 2014 Stafford Leon February 6 2014 Atlanta remains a candidate for MLS expansion The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved February 15 2014 a b Creditor Avi April 16 2014 MLS awards 2017 expansion franchise to Atlanta owner Arthur Blank Sports Illustrated Archived from the original on April 17 2014 Retrieved April 16 2014 Atlanta United FC vs New York Red Bulls MatchCenter Boxscore Major League Soccer March 5 2017 Retrieved March 7 2017 Ruthven Graham March 13 2017 Cold open Minnesota United brutally exposed as ill equipped for the task The Guardian Retrieved October 22 2018 Atlanta United 4 Chicago Fire 0 Major League Soccer March 18 2017 Retrieved March 18 2017 Columbus Crew win MLS playoff thriller in shootout vs Atlanta United USA Today Associated Press October 26 2017 Retrieved January 7 2018 Roberson Doug October 23 2018 Manager Gerardo Martino leaving Atlanta United The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved November 4 2018 Bogert Tom December 5 2018 Atlanta United s Josef Martinez wins 2018 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award Major League Soccer Retrieved December 5 2018 Atlanta United s Gerardo Tata Martino named 2018 MLS Coach of the Year Major League Soccer November 13 2018 Retrieved November 13 2018 Atlanta edge Club America to earn continental bragging rights FIFA August 15 2019 Retrieved August 15 2019 Atlanta United Frank de Boer mutually agree to part ways July 24 2020 Retrieved July 24 2020 Carlisle Jeff December 18 2020 Ex Manchester United defender Heinze named Atlanta manager ESPN Retrieved December 30 2020 Atlanta FC MLS Stats Records and latest previews Data Driven Sports Stats Retrieved June 18 2021 Atlanta United FC vs Alajuelense Football Match Report April 13 2021 ESPN ESPN com Retrieved June 17 2021 mlssoccer Atlanta United s Josef Martinez suffers torn ACL in MLS 2020 season opener MLSSoccer com mlssoccer Retrieved June 18 2021 Roberson Doug Atlanta United Gabriel Heinze part ways after 13 MLS games The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved June 19 2021 Atlanta United hires Gonzalo Pineda as Head Coach Atlanta United FC atlutd Retrieved August 13 2021 Atlanta United clinches playoff berth with win over FC Cincinnati Gwinnett Daily Post Retrieved November 7 2021 Singer Mike April 16 2014 MLS awards Atlanta Falcons owner Blank new team for 2017 CBS Sports Retrieved May 29 2014 Straus Brian April 18 2014 Former Crew GM current Falcons VP confident Blank MLS will be fruitful combo Sports Illustrated Archived from the original on April 23 2014 Retrieved May 29 2014 Straus Brian June 25 2015 Atlanta United FC MLS s 2017 expansion team selects its name Sports Illustrated Retrieved June 5 2015 a b Roberson Doug June 25 2015 Eales Atlanta United FC name is authentic The Atlanta Journal Constitution Archived from the original on December 18 2015 Retrieved June 26 2015 Borg Simon June 25 2015 Atlanta United FC Get the lowdown on the newest team name in MLS as selected by the supporters Major League Soccer Archived from the original on June 26 2015 Retrieved June 25 2015 MLS expansion team Atlanta United FC unveil logo club colors and new hashtag ATLUTD Major League Soccer July 7 2015 Archived from the original on July 10 2015 Retrieved July 7 2015 About The Club Atlanta United FC July 11 2016 Retrieved November 20 2016 McQuade Alec March 5 2017 10 things you need to know about Atlanta United FC WXIA Retrieved March 5 2017 permanent dead link Roberson Doug February 16 2019 Atlanta United unveils new primary kit The Atlanta Journal Constitution Archived from the original on February 17 2019 Retrieved February 17 2019 Atlanta United unveil new primary jersey ahead of 2019 season Major League Soccer February 16 2019 Archived from the original on February 17 2019 Retrieved February 17 2019 Longshore Jason July 12 2016 Atlanta United reveal first jersey sponsor in club history Dirty South Soccer SB Nation Vox Media Retrieved July 13 2016 Usry Rob May 5 2016 SunTrust named Atlanta United Academy kit sponsor Dirty South Soccer SB Nation Vox Media Retrieved July 13 2016 Atlanta United announces extended and expanded partnership with Piedmont Healthcare Atlanta United FC February 4 2020 Retrieved February 6 2020 Atlanta United announces Truist Financial and NAPA as new short and sleeve sponsors Atlanta United FC July 10 2020 Retrieved July 10 2020 Atlanta United announces AT amp T as sleeve sponsor Atlanta United FC March 23 2021 Retrieved March 23 2021 Atlanta United to Field USL Team in 2018 United Soccer League November 14 2017 Retrieved July 28 2018 About the Atlanta United Academy Atlanta United FC June 16 2018 Retrieved June 16 2018 Academy Graduates Atlanta United FC June 16 2018 Retrieved June 16 2018 Soccer Development Program Atlanta United FC July 6 2017 Retrieved June 16 2018 Atlanta United Regional Development School Atlanta United FC October 29 2018 Retrieved October 29 2018 Roberson Doug September 7 2017 Atlanta United hopes fan bring the noise to Mercedes Benz Stadium The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved September 7 2017 Borg Simon January 22 2016 Opening of Atlanta United FC s Mercedes Benz Stadium pushed to June 2017 Major League Soccer Retrieved January 22 2016 Roof construction delays Mercedes Benz Stadium opening USA Today Associated Press April 18 2017 Retrieved June 5 2017 Roberson Doug April 18 2017 Atlanta United president understands fans frustration The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved April 21 2017 Atlanta United FC unveil plans for state of the art training facility and team headquarters Major League Soccer August 5 2015 Archived from the original on August 8 2015 Retrieved August 6 2015 Kahn Michael November 9 2015 Atlanta United Calls Off Memorial Drive Development Curbed Atlanta Retrieved June 17 2018 Children s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground Atlanta United FC August 3 2016 Retrieved June 16 2018 Dixon Krystal March 28 2019 Atlanta United to expand operations in Cobb County The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved June 17 2019 Stejskal Sam October 5 2016 Atlanta United to open 2017 season at Georgia Tech s Bobby Dodd Stadium Major League Soccer Retrieved November 6 2016 Roberson Doug October 5 2016 Atlanta United will play first home games at Georgia Tech The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved October 5 2016 Roberson Doug October 6 2016 Atlanta United won t play at Georgia Tech in most of April The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved October 18 2016 Tickets FAQ Atlanta United FC Atlanta United FC August 3 2016 Retrieved December 9 2016 Supporters Groups Atlanta United FC Atlanta United FC August 1 2023 Retrieved August 1 2023 Borg Simon April 18 2014 Meet the newest MLS supporters group Atlanta s Terminus Legion Major League Soccer Retrieved May 29 2014 West Phil May 23 2017 ATL s Footie Mob SG has married music soccer culture from the start Major League Soccer Retrieved January 7 2018 Usry Rob December 3 2015 December 2015 Atlanta United season ticket deposit update Dirty South Soccer SB Nation Vox Media Retrieved January 19 2016 Roberson Doug November 21 2017 Atlanta United surpasses 36 000 in season ticket sales The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved June 18 2018 Webster Sierra All Stripes creating space in soccer culture for LGBTQ identifying Atlanta United fans The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved August 13 2021 Jones J Sam March 6 2018 How Atlanta United became the team of LGBTQ Atlanta Dirty South Soccer Retrieved August 13 2021 Thompson Bonsu Listen to the Kids How Atlanta Became the Black Soccer Capital of America Bleacher Report Stejskal Sam September 14 2017 Atlanta set all time MLS single game attendance record with 70 425 fans Major League Soccer Retrieved October 6 2017 Rodriguez Alicia October 5 2017 Atlanta United FC set to break MLS attendance record again Major League Soccer Retrieved October 6 2017 Atlanta United sets MLS attendance records for single season and game ESPN FC ESPN October 22 2017 Retrieved October 23 2017 Roberson Doug October 6 2017 Atlanta United will break 3 attendance records The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved October 6 2017 Major League Soccer 2017 Attendance worldfootball net Retrieved December 3 2018 Premier League 2017 2018 Attendance worldfootball net Retrieved November 27 2018 Roberson Doug March 11 2018 Atlanta United sets record in defeating D C United The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved March 11 2018 Axelrod Josh July 2 2018 Forget the World Cup On Saturday the largest soccer crowd was in Atlanta CNN Retrieved July 8 2018 Roberson Doug July 15 2018 Atlanta United breaks its own MLS attendance record WSB TV Retrieved July 15 2018 Rodriguez Alicia October 21 2018 Atlanta United set MLS season record for home attendance Major League Soccer Retrieved May 15 2020 Sigal Jonathan August 3 2019 Atlanta United sets MLS single game attendance record in regular season Major League Soccer Retrieved May 15 2020 Baer Benjamin March 7 2017 Atlanta s Man of the Match will now hammer the Golden Spike Major League Soccer Retrieved January 4 2018 Alec McQuade May 5 2017 What is Atlanta United s Golden Spike tradition WXIA TV The Golden Spike by Atlanta United FC on Exposure Exposure October 27 2017 Retrieved April 15 2018 Catanese Ryan January 3 2018 Behind the Stripes Archie Eversole Atlanta United FC Retrieved July 28 2018 Atlanta artist Archie Eversole releases ATL UTD themed track United We Conquer Atlanta United FC July 17 2018 Retrieved July 28 2018 T Pain hammers the Golden Spike Atlanta United FC May 20 2018 Retrieved July 2 2018 Schwin Payson May 10 2018 Juventus legend Edgar Davids visits Atlanta ahead of 2018 MLS All Star Game Major League Soccer Retrieved July 2 2018 Catanese Ryan May 25 2018 Behind the Stripes Brian Jordan Atlanta United FC Retrieved July 2 2018 Almiron scores twice Atlanta United beats Orlando City 4 0 USA Today Associated Press June 30 2018 Retrieved July 2 2018 Jeezy x atl utd by Atlanta United FC Exposure October 9 2018 Retrieved October 23 2018 Behind the Stripes Killer Mike Exposure July 25 2018 Retrieved October 23 2018 Big Boi the latest Atlanta music star to hammer Five Stripes Golden Spike Major League Soccer November 26 2018 Retrieved December 24 2018 Galarcep Ives December 8 2018 Atlanta United s championship season sets lofty new standard for MLS Goal com Retrieved December 24 2018 Boehm Charles Wrestling legend Ric Flair hammers Golden Spike before Atlanta United s playoff opener MLS Soccer Retrieved January 25 2020 Rapper Jeezy stops by ESPN booth Ron Howard drives in Golden Spike in ATL MLS Soccer Retrieved January 25 2020 Behind the Stripes Goodie Mob Atlanta United FC Retrieved January 25 2020 Behind the Stripes Dikembe Mutombo Atlanta United FC Retrieved January 25 2020 About Arthur M Blank Blank Family of Businesses 2022 AMB Sports amp Entertainment names Lyft Official Rideshare Partner of Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United at Mercedes Benz Stadium Mercedes Benz Stadium Mercedes Benz Stadium August 15 2017 Retrieved July 28 2018 ARTHUR BLANK OWNER AND CEO Atlanta Falcons Archived from the original on January 8 2011 Retrieved January 8 2011 Atlanta United FC Roster www atlutd com Atlanta United FC Retrieved February 1 2022 Rossitch Eric February 10 2017 Atlanta Number 17 is for You Atlanta United FC Retrieved February 10 2017 Atlanta United Communications Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons to retire No 44 for 2021 season in honor of Hank Aaron ATLUTD MLS Archived from the original on January 22 2021 Retrieved January 25 2021 Roberson Doug February 21 2017 Atlanta United announces TV partnership The Atlanta Journal Constitution Retrieved February 22 2017 Cleveland Parker February 22 2017 Analyzing the Atlanta United broadcast deal Dirty South Soccer SB Nation Vox Media Retrieved February 22 2017 Spangler Todd September 30 2020 YouTube TV Says It s Dropping Sinclair s Fox Regional Sports Networks Variety Retrieved October 28 2020 MLS signs 10 year 2 5 billion plus global deal with Apple for all MLS matches with some available in base AppleTV app and some requiring a separate subscription MSN Jones J Sam March 15 2018 Meet the Newest Member of the Atlanta United Family Jillian Sakovits Dirty South Soccer SB Nation Vox Media Retrieved June 7 2018 Atlanta United announces 2021 Broadcast Team Atlanta United FC April 24 2021 Retrieved April 24 2021 Welcome Mike Conti as Play by Play Announcer for Atlanta United Matches CBS Atlanta February 2 2018 Retrieved June 7 2018 ATL UTD 2 Announces 2018 Broadcast Team Atlanta United FC March 22 2018 Retrieved July 28 2018 a b Front Office Atlanta United FC Retrieved April 28 2021 Atlanta United FC Player Stats Major League Soccer Retrieved April 24 2020 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Atlanta United FC Official website nbsp Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Atlanta United FC amp oldid 1205750241, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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