Could Atlanta United become the top team in the MLS?
- Mar 28, 2017
- 2 min read
It is a stark contrast from their fellow newcomers Minnesota on just how good Atlanta are settling in at the moment, and I don’t expect it to slow down.
Since their formation almost three years ago, they have grown to become a fantastic model for other clubs that are currently in formation to follow (take note LAFC). Considering that Atlanta was the largest metropolitan area without an MLS team before their formation, it was clear that there was a fantastic opportunity there for a new franchise, and it has most definitely pulled off successfully. For a new club who have only just started professionally this season, it is incredible that Atlanta are able to already fill their potentially 55,000 seated stadium week in week out, but it shows that soccer in the US is really starting to grow.
In terms of Atlanta though, they appear to have done everything right. There player recruitment has clearly been well planned out, as their Venezuelan forward Josef Martinez is currently the top scorer in the MLS with 5 goals from 3 three games. As well as this, they posses Brad Guzan on their roster, as well as Kenwyne Jones, two ex Premier League players of great ability. Many MLS and Atlanta fans have highlighted young Miguel Almiron as a player to watch, and it’s easy to see why. They appear to have formed a squad of players that look as though they have been playing together for years, which is a formidable thing to possess.
Before the season even began, MLS experts predicted that Atlanta would qualify for the MLS cup in their first ever season, and the team currently sit third in the Eastern Conference after their first three games. That certainly says something for a club when they are predicted for a good table finish in their first competitive season.
Recently, Atlanta were voted favourite team in the south thanks to a fan-based poll by reddit user fantasyMLShelper. Atlanta’s support stretches through Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This support is unbelievable for a debut team, and it will only increase as Atlanta reach new heights and continue to improve.
With ex-Barcelona man Gerardo 'Tata' Martino at the helm, who knows what could be in the path for Atlanta, but all we know right now is that they are not to be underestimated, so watch this space…
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