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Tag: Atlanta United

  • Atlanta United releases preseason schedule, several matches will take place in Texas

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    Atlanta United forward Jamal Thiaré (center) celebrates after a goal during the first half of the Leagues Cup match against the Atlas at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

    Atlanta United (5-13-16 overall in 2025) has released its 2026 preseason schedule. Along with a match at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, the team will play several matches in Texas. 

    Last season, Atlanta United finished at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The story of the 2025 season will include injuries to key players, 16 losses, tough draws, and ultimately, a coaching change, as manager Ronny Deila was fired at the end of the season. Long-time goalkeeper and fan favorite, Brad Guzan, has also retired, while former manager Tata Martino was brought back to lead the club. Martino managed the club to a 2018 MLS Cup title and most recently managed Inter Miami FC before being fired. 

    Matt Edwards, 22, has started both games at right back for Atlanta United this season. A native of North Carolina, Edwards played 90 minutes in his first career start against CF Montreal and 72 minutes against Charlotte FC on Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

    The preseason will also provide an opportunity for some of the team’s young players, such as Matt Edwards and 21-year-old goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert, to continue their development.

    The Five Stripes will begin the preseason on their training grounds on Friday, January 30. The opponent, Lexington SC, is a United Soccer League club out of Kentucky. The match will take place at 11 a.m. 

    Next on the schedule will be MLS opponent, the Houston Dynamo, on Saturday, February 7. That match will take place at 8 p.m. on the Dynamo’s home turf, the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

    Atlanta United will remain in Texas, playing matches against Red Bull New York on Wednesday, February 11 (noon), and on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14 (1 p.m.). Both matches will take place at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. 

    Atlanta United midfielder Ajani Fortune (above) at the team’s training facility in Marietta, Friday, May 23, 2025. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • NWSL Awards Expansion Franchise to Atlanta

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    Arthur M. Blank (above), owner of Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons, is now the owner of Atlanta’s NWSL club.
    Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

    Atlanta has been awarded the 17th National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise. The expansion was announced at an event on Tuesday evening featuring a night of entertainment, live performances, popcorn, hot cocoa, and empowering moments for female athletes of all ages who have led, competed, and inspired through sport. Presented by Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment, the celebration was a testament that when you “empower her,” you “Inspire all.”

    Arthur M. Blank, owner of Atlanta United, the Atlanta Falcons, and now Atlanta’s NWSL club, said that he’s learned from the women in his life that true greatness comes from using your achievements to help others rise along the way. 

    “As we launch this new club, I’m deeply inspired by the opportunity to give young girls across Georgia, including my own granddaughters, the chance to see what’s possible by watching these world-class athletes right here in Atlanta, Georgia, our home,” Blank said. “It’s my hope that this club will ignite something powerful in everyone who watches, especially young people, and light a spark that says, ‘if they can do it, so can I.’ This is not just about seeing the athletes on the pitch. It’s about recognizing the dedication, the resilience, and the teamwork it takes to get there.”

    Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (above) was one of the special guests on hand for the celebration of the newly announced club.
    Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

    Other featured speakers at the celebration included basketball analyst and ESPN reporter Andraya Carter, former Soccer in the Streets player Lauren Dubois, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and United States Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone.

    “I will now get to watch female athletes chase their dreams on the pitch right here in the ATL. So somewhere in Atlanta, right now, could be the world’s next great soccer star who will come of age knowing she can train here, play here, and win right here in Atlanta,” Dickens said. 

    Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

    The announcement comes at a time when all eyes are on the city as it prepares to host eight 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, including a semifinal match. The continued investment in soccer, from Atlanta United FC to the incoming high-performance Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, shows that the sport and what it means to people is deeply appreciated. And with the boom of women’s sports from media coverage to financial investment, the club is another step forward in the success of the game.

    Women’s sports are redefining what’s possible in the athletics business and culture,” ESPN reporter Andraya Carter (above) said.
    Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice 

    “I’ve been so lucky to have the best seats in the house to some of the most exciting women’s sports events, and it has been absolutely electrifying across the country. Women’s sports are redefining what’s possible in the athletics business and culture,” Carter said. 

    When the new team takes the pitch in 2028, Blank said the club will represent the next generation of leaders, change makers, and athletes, and that the spirit of its supporters will build a club that stands for “excellence and greatness.”

    “Our NWSL players will be role models who embody excellence, determination, and the unshakable belief that anything is possible,” Blank said. 

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    Laura Nwogu

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  • Atlanta United ends the 2025 season with another draw, losing record, no playoffs

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    The final match of the 2025 regular season took place on Saturday night. More specifically, it was the season’s final match for Atlanta United. This year will not end in an exciting playoff push or upset victory over Inter Miami and Leonel Messi. It will end in many “what ifs?” and coulda, woulda, shouldas. 

    The Five Stripes (5-12-16) came into Saturday’s match with D.C. United, the worst team in Major League Soccer according to its overall record (5-10-18), just two points ahead of the other United in the Eastern Conference standings. 

    Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan (above) during the match against D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

    The match, the final one of goalkeeper Brad Guzan’s career, could not have begun better. Five Stripes captain, and along with Guzan, one of the most familiar faces in franchise history, Miguel Almiron, scored a goal in the third minute. The fact that Almiron scored the match’s first goal could be a positive sign for the future. The former Newcastle United man will be the focal point of the 2026 season. On the unassisted goal. Almiron took a rebound of an errant pass and put a low shot past the D.C. goalkeeper. He nearly scored another in the 18th minute on a cross, but was called offside. His energy throughout the match was reminiscent of the same energy level he had in the first match of the season.

    The goal was Almiron’s sixth of the season to go along with a team-high seven assists. A solid season for any player, but the expectations for Almiron were so high upon his return that there was no way he could meet them if this team wasn’t successful.  

    Atlanta United midfielder Bartosz Slisz (above) dribbles the ball during the match against D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Photo by Matthew Dingle/Atlanta United

    Many plays highlighted the victory over D.C. In the 26th minute, Bartosz Slisz blocked a potential D.C. shot that could have tied the game. Guzan saved a shot by D.C. striker Christian Benteke in the 41st minute and recorded another save in the 54th. Bouncing on his toes for the entire match, Guzan looked like he could play another couple of matches. 

    D.C. midfielder Gabriel Pirani scored an unassisted goal in the 66th minute to tie the game. Guzan saved another Benteke shot that bounced back to Pirani, who created his own shot thereafter.

    D.C. midfielder Gabriel Pirani scored an unassisted goal in the 66th minute to tie the game. Guzan saved another Benteke shot that bounced back to Pirani, who created a shot for himself. 

    In the final 20 minutes of the match, Alexey Miranchuk, arguably the team’s best all-around player this season, and Luke Brennan, a rising star, were substituted for Jamal Thiare and Saba Lobjanidze in the 74th minute.

    Four minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock at the end of 90 minutes. Atlanta attempted a shot-on-goal during that time, which was saved like every other shot they took after the game’s first two minutes.

    Saturday’s attendance was announced as 44,098.

    Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan #1, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, and his family, before the match against D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation commits $50M to CAU, Morehouse, Morris Brown & Spelman

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    The Morehouse College golf and football programs have received gifts from the AMBF. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF) is committing $50 million to four Atlanta University Center member institutions. The scholarship investment will be for 10 years, beginning in 2026, and will be awarded to Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College. 

    The $50 million is projected to assist close to 10,000 students at the institutions. The funding is from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s Founder Initiative portfolio.  

    The AMBF was founded in 1995 by Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank. Since then, the foundation has gifted more than $1.5 billion to universities, charities, and local organizations and non-profits. 

    Some of that charitable giving has gone to HBCU’s, including $10 million to Spelman College’s Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab, $6 million for improvements of athletic fields at Clark Atlanta, Albany State University, Miles College, and Savannah State University, $3 million to Morris Brown to digitize a one-year hospitality credential, and $400,000 to the Morehouse College golf program and new football helmets for the Clark Atlanta and Morehouse football programs. 

    Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Donnell began his career covering sports and news in Atlanta nearly two decades ago. Since then he has written for Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Southern Cross…

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Atlanta United’s young keeper Jayden Hibbert keeps a clean sheet, 0-0 draw with Toronto FC in front of 39,500 fans

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    Atlanta United forward Miguel Almirón (center) during the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Photo by Matthew Dingle/Atlanta United

    Yes, it was another draw, 0-0 with visiting Toronto FC, but there was a bright side. One of the youngest players on the club is growing in confidence as a frustrating 2025 season nears a close.

    Atlanta United hosted Toronto FC in front of 39,509 fans on Sunday night. The match is the last time the two clubs will meet this season. The teams played to a 1-1 draw on July 12. Jayden Hibbert, the club’s 21-year-old backup goalkeeper, started tonight and held his own.

    Hibbert, A member of the Jamaican National Team, had to defend six shots from Toronto during the first half, but kept a clean sheet by halftime. Atlanta United took five shots at Toronto’s goal, with many of those shots being close to going in.

    Atlanta United midfielder Alexey Miranchuk (above) during the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United)

    Atlanta midfielder Alexey Miranchuk, arguably the team’s best player over the past six to seven matches, took a shot in the 16th minute of the scoreless match that trickled by Toronto’s goalkeeper but was wide right. Miranchuk has had six goals and four assists this season and has become the team’s go-to player of late. His game-tying goals have helped keep this season from being a total loss, with Atlanta hovering near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

    Hibbert immediately racked up another save in the first minute of the second half. The shot attempt by Toronto was straight on, and Hibbert had to save it with his knees. There was a difference on the pitch without Guzan around to wave his hands frantically while directing traffic from the back, but Hibbert could be seen doing his job in a less demonstrative way.

    Atlanta manager Ronny Deila made a triple-substitution in the 61st minute, bringing on Steven Alzate, Brooks Lennon, and forward Jamal Thiare. Alzate joined the club on a transfer from English club Hull City earlier this month and had played in two matches before Sunday night.

    Scoreless through 80 minutes, Atlanta United defenders did a good job of keeping shots from coming Hibbert’s way. Several Toronto shots were blocked during the latter stages of the second half.

    Juan Berrocal and Cayman Togashi subbed into the match in the 85th minute. It was Berrocal’s third match for Atlanta United.

    With five minutes of stoppage time on the clock, Atlanta United managed to threaten Toronto, but did not score.

    The Starting XI pose for a photo before the match against Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

    What’s Next: Atlanta United will begin the month of September with a pair of matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, Sept. 13, and against MLS newcomers San Diego FC on Saturday, Sept. 20. Despite being in its first year of existence, San Diego is the first team in MLS to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • MLS Playoffs: Atlanta wins 2-1 over Inter Miami and forces a game three

    MLS Playoffs: Atlanta wins 2-1 over Inter Miami and forces a game three

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    “That’s our story this year, we make things interesting,” said Atlanta United interim manager Rob Valentino during his postgame press conference. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Atlanta United had one opportunity to extend the 2024 season. One opportunity in front of the home fans to keep the dream alive. A 2-1 loss in Miami last week made Saturday’s match even more important than a playoff match already was.

    With a minute remaining of the five minutes of stoppage time given at the end of the match, Xande Silva, a late-match substitution in this match, saved the day with his strike to the bottom right of the Inter Miami net. His goal gave Atlanta a 2-1 lead and new life.

    Atlanta defender Derrick Williams headed in the tying goal early in the second half, his first as a member of the squad, in the 58th minute of the most important match of the season. Pedrio Almador’s pass found Williams and the majority of the crowd of 68,455, the fifth-highest attendance for a Major League Soccer playoff match, went wild. Whenever big clubs come to town there are always thousands of opponent jerseys in the stands, and Inter Miami has more than most whenever they play in Atlanta.

    Inter Miami took a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute courtesy of a David Martinez goal that shouldn’t have even seen the light of day. An error by Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan led to an opportunity for Martinez, a defender, to get a clear look at the goal from a few feet away.

    Prior to Miami’s goal, there were several opportunities for Atlanta to take a much-needed early lead. Atlanta United dominated possession for several minutes resulting in three corner kicks, but no goals.

    Inter Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino after the match. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    During the first half, Inter Miami held an advantage in possession (54.5%-45.5%) but Atlanta took one more shot-on-goal (5-4).

    During the second half, Guzan saved a Luiz Suarez short kick from becoming the game-deciding goal. Messi scored what looked to be a second goal for Inter Miami, but he was offsides.

    After the match, Atlanta United interim manager Rob Valentino said the victory was a team effort and his team “makes things interesting.”

    Asked about Williams’ efforts tonight, Valentino said the defender was a pleasure to coach and is a great teammate. “He’s a quiet leader, he leads by example, he’s not the one you see shouting and screaming,” Valentino said.

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Jamal Thiaré and Atlanta United steal victory from Toronto in thrilling fashion

    Jamal Thiaré and Atlanta United steal victory from Toronto in thrilling fashion

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    Atlanta United Forward Jamal Thiaré scored the game winning goal in the 97th minute, giving the Five Stripes a much-needed 2-1 victory over Toronto FC. Thiaré’s goal sent the crowd of 42,568 into delirium while securing the three points.

    With the victory, Atlanta United is now two points out of seventh place.

    “I wasn’t surprised, because I just had a feeling that the goalkeeper was going to put the ball down on the turf, and then I focused on making sure to do my job,” Thiaré said after the game.

    The victory was the first for interim manager Rob Valentino. In his post-match remarks, Valentino admitted he’s never seen a contest end this way.

    “That’s what we were joking about, exactly how we wanted it,” Valentino said. “I would say I’m on the younger side of coaching and the younger side of being in the game, but I have never seen anything like that. I made the joke to Dax [McCarty], after I ridiculously went sprinting down the sideline, that he has played 20 years now and I bet he has never seen a finish like that. It was incredible, bizarre, but I’m glad we’re on this side of it.”

    Designated Players showed up tonight

    Meanwhile, Thiago Almada scored his sixth goal of the season two minutes into first-half stoppage time. While rumors abound regarding Almada’s future in Atlanta, his performance throughout the match were of very high standard. He was proactive in the final third and was looking to create opportunities for himself and the fellow attackers.

    Federico Bernardeschi quickly equalized for Toronto after the halftime break. He was assisted on the goal by fellow Italian, Lorenzo Insigne. The second half evolved into a cagey battle as both teams counterattacked and nearly scored potential game-winning goals.

    In the end, it was Thiaré’s brilliance that broke the deadlock. 

    “I mean it will only help us in the best of ways,” says Atlanta United defender Caleb Wiley. “I think we really needed that win. We go back on the road next week. So I think the boys are in pretty high spirits after this win and we’ll go to New England and try to do the same thing.”

    Atlanta United’s next home match will be against New York City FC on July 17th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM. 

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    Itoro N. Umontuen

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  • Same thing, different day: Atlanta United falls at home 3-2 to rival Charlotte, suffers fifth straight home loss

    Same thing, different day: Atlanta United falls at home 3-2 to rival Charlotte, suffers fifth straight home loss

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    Charlotte came into the match with a record of 6-4-6 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Atlanta (now 4-4-8 overall), though further down in the standings, brought momentum with them back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. A victory at Inter Miami on Wednesday was the team’s first victory on the road this season. It didn’t matter, as Charlotte managed to win in Atlanta again, this time 3-2 in front of 61,209 fans. 

    The loss was the team’s fifth consecutive at home. “We are playing good, but when you don’t score the goals in key moments you suffer,” Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda said after the match.

    Something had to give

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Atlanta United, winless in last 5 matches, hosts D.C. next Saturday

    Atlanta United, winless in last 5 matches, hosts D.C. next Saturday

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    Atlanta United hosted Minnesota United FC Saturday night, May 4, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Atlanta, who will host D.C. United next Saturday (7:30 p.m. first kick), came into its game against Minnesota United FC on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. Winless in its last four matches (three draws and a loss), Atlanta United was a point behind D.C. United and tied with Montreal FC with 12 points in the standings. With consecutive road matches in Cincinnati and Nashville on May 15 and 18, victories at home have quickly become paramount to staying in playoff contention.

    That winless streak has now moved to five games following a 2-1 loss to Minnesota. Following the loss, Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda was positive about how the team played and added that he feels the team is “fully committed” to what the goals for this season are.

    Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda (above) during his postgame press conference following a 2-1 loss to Minnesota United on Sat., May 4, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    “It was a difficult game,” Pineda said. “We had all the numbers on our side except for the score.”

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • How Long Can the Union Keep Surviving? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    How Long Can the Union Keep Surviving? – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    Despite the Philadelphia Union’s new identity, one thing has stayed the same.
    The Union can never be counted out.

    As the last remaining unbeaten team in MLS, how long can the Union keep escaping defeat?

    It is never pretty, but the Union continues to grab results from losing positions. This time, the club went to Atlanta and escaped with an exciting 2-2 draw. If it wasn’t for a questionable offsides call on a Mikael Uhre goal, the Union would have left with all 3 points.

    Now, 7 games into the MLS season, the Union is 3rd in the Eastern Conference. The club also holds a game in hand over 2nd place NYRB. As well as 2 games in handover 1st place Inter Miami. Perhaps the most impressive feat is the Union have been on the road for 5 of their 7 MLS games. Counter in their, albeit rough, time in the CONCACAF Champions League, Union fans can’t have much to complain about.

    The biggest concern currently is the Union’s new up-and-down identity. The Union used to smash and grab a goal for a 1-0 victory. Now, if the Union wants any points, they have to score at least twice a game. Fortunately, the Union offense has clicked more than it has in a long time, with the second most goals in the East. However, clean sheets have been increasingly harder to come by.

    Clear Schedule and Clear Minds

    It was just about a month ago, and the Union’s season had already felt over. A 6-0 embarrassment in Mexico had fans concerned for 2024. However, it seems the result has woken up the Union players. Simultaneously, it also opened up their schedule.

    For the first time in perhaps 3 seasons, the Union has just 1 competition to worry about. That is the MLS campaign. The Union is out of CCC, is not participating in the US Open Cup, and may not take this summer’s Leagues Cup very seriously. This is the first time in a long time the Union can go full focus on MLS for the entire season.

    The clear schedule will hopefully lighten the burden on players’ legs. Especially with a team as shorthanded as the Union. Now, the summer will still be a tough stretch as the Union will lose key players, but the hot start will hopefully soften the burden.

    The Concerns Still Lay Ahead

    Every point the Union can steal will matter this season. This is especially true for the rough stretch of starting the season on the road for 5 of 7 games. The fact of the matter is that the Union needs to keep pace with the Eastern Conference powerhouses while they are still in full force. International competitions will have the Union shorthanded multiple times throughout the summer. Unfortunately, the Union may also stand to lose star forward Julian Carranza in the summer transfer window.

    These facts are why the Union must stay hot as long as they can. This Union roster is as thin as it has ever been. Any injury or departure could throw a wrench into the Union’s title hopes. However, the current Union team is still a top team in MLS and could make another run for the top of the Eastern Conference. The margin for error is razor-thin for this Union team.

    This makes their hot start even more crucial.
    It also makes it even more impressive, given the rough start to 2024.

    Photo: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation

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    Ryan Hall

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  • Atlanta United play it pretty, win home opener 4-1

    Atlanta United play it pretty, win home opener 4-1

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    An Atlanta United supporter sign asked the team to “Play It Pretty” during the home opener Saturday night. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Atlanta United returned home to a crowd of 67,727 inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night. The home opener is always a popular affair, but this one felt different. Coming off of a 1-0 season-opening loss in Columbus on Feb. 24, this match felt like the true beginning of the season. 

    And what a beginning it was. Atlanta not only won the match 4-1 but demonstrated that its back line will be a source of frustration for opponents this season. In two matches this season, Atlanta has allowed just two goals. 

    The victory was also the Mercedes-Benz Stadium debut for a number of Five Stripes players, including defenders Derrick Williams and Stian Gregersen. 

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    Donnell Suggs

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