Based in Georgia, Atlanta United is one of the most exciting teams in Major League Soccer They play their matches at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one of the finest home stadiums in the world.

The spoken-off club was established in 2014 and has quickly made a name for itself, earning several important titles, including the MLS Cup in 2018.

History of ATLANTA UNITED: Founded in 2014

Atlanta United was added to the list of MLS teams in 2014, after a superb start. In their debut season, under the guidance of former Barcelona and Argentina national team manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the team made it all the way to the playoffs, despite being a new addition to the league. But it was in their second year that they made history, clinching the MLS Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers.

Who was the founder of Atlanta United?

Atlanta United was founded by entrepreneur Arthur M. Blank. As a successful businessman and philanthropist based in Atlanta, Blank has had numerous ventures throughout the city.

He is the co-founder of The Home Depot and the owner of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. In 2014, he added another feather to his cap by purchasing the rights to start an MLS expansion team, which we now know as Atlanta United.

Current President of Atlanta United; WHO IS Garth Lagerwey?

Garth Lagerwey is an American soccer executive, who, before being appointed President of Atlanta United, was General Manager and President of Soccer Operations for Inter Miami CF.

Prior to joining Inter Miami, Lagerwey spent several years in various executive roles with Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC, two other MLS teams. He is known for his extensive experience in soccer operations and player personnel, and he has helped build successful teams throughout his career.

Stadium of Atlanta United: THE MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM 

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the official stadium for Atlanta United, with a capacity of over 70,000 spectators. The stadium is one of a kind with its inclusion as one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. It is equipped with a retractable roof, ensuring that fans can enjoy games regardless of the weather.

The stadium also has state-of-the-art amenities, which include high-definition video displays, premium seating options, and a variety of dining and entertainment options. In addition to being the home of Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium also serves as the home field for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.

With its location in the heart of Atlanta, the venue is a popular destination for sports fans and visitors.

Q: What is the name of Atlanta United’s stadium?

Ans: Atlanta United’s home stadium is called Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Fans and Culture of Atlanta United

The fans of Atlanta United are known for their passionate support of the team. They are often referred to as the “17s,” a nod to the club’s inaugural season in 2017. Atlanta United’s supporters are also known for their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Atlanta United has established a unique culture that sets it apart from other soccer clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS). The club places a strong emphasis on an entertaining and attacking style of soccer, which has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league.

Sporting Rivalries of Atlanta United

Atlanta United have had some rivals down the road since their debut season in 2017. These rivalries bring a unique energy to the league and foster a strong sense of community among fans. One of the most intense rivalries for Atlanta United is the “Southern Derby” against Orlando City SC. The proximity between the two cities plays a major part in it.

Another budding rivalry is with Nashville SC, known as the “Three Stripes Cup,” which formed when Nashville joined MLS. Their regional showdown against the New York Red Bulls adds flare to the league.

The historic MLS rivalry between Atlanta United and D.C. United dates back to the early years of the league, with both teams facing off in many high-stakes games, including the 2018 U.S. Open Cup final.

Q: Who are the biggest rivals of Atlanta United?

Ans: Orlando City SC is regarded as one of the biggest rivals of Atlanta United.

ATLANTA UNITED KEY INDIVIDUALS

Notable Players in the History of Atlanta United

Throughout their 8-9 years of existence in the MLS, Atlanta United have been graced by a variety of skilled and versatile players who have given everything for the club. Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez is one such player. He stole the show in 2018 as the MLS MVP and set a new single-season goal record by netting 31 goals.

Another player who played a vital role in Atlanta United’s MLS Cup triumph in 2018 was Miguel Almiron, a creative Paraguayan attacking midfielder who’s currently running the show at Newcastle United. Ezequiel Barco, the Argentine attacking midfielder who joined the club in 2018, was one of the most expensive transfers in MLS history at the time.

The Nigerian-American defender, George Bello, rose through the ranks at Atlanta United after joining the academy in 2016 and made his first-team debut in 2019.

Best Manager in the History of Atlanta United

The most successful manager in Atlanta United’s history is Gerardo “Tata” Martino. He was tasked with leading the expansion team ahead of their inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2017, and he did not disappoint.

Under his guidance, the team captured its first MLS Cup title in 2018. In addition to the MLS Cup, Martino’s team also won the 2018 U.S. Open Cup and reached the final of the Campeones Cup, a competition between the champions of MLS and Liga MX. Martino received recognition as the MLS Coach of the Year in 2018 owing to his accomplishments and hard work.

ATLANTA UNITED RECORD BREAKERS

All Time Top Scorers of Atlanta United

The current Inter Miami CF striker Joseph Martinez has scored the most goals for Atlanta United in 158 appearances. He also has the best goal-per-match ratio of 0.70. Meanwhile, the second most appearances amongst these players are made by Julian Gressel (118).

Lastly, the least appearances (70) are taken by current Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron.

NAME OF THE PLAYER	NUMBER OF GOALS SCORED
Joseph Martinez	111
Miguel Almiron	22
Hector Villalba	22
Julian Gressel	20
Ezequiel Barco	19

Q: Which player has scored the most goals in Atlanta United’s history?

Ans: Joseph Martinez has scored the most goals for Atlanta United in 158 appearances.

AllTime Assists providers of Atlanta United

Gressel played 9.300 minutes for Atlanta United in total whereas Miguel Almiron had 5.855 minutes under his name, and Villalba had 5.917 minutes registered against his name. Ezequiel had 7.500 total minutes representing Atlanta.

NAME OF THE PLAYER	NUMBER OF ASSISTS
Julian Gressel	39
Miguel Almiron	30
Hector Villalba	18
Ezequiel Barco	19
Joseph Martinez	19

WHO HAS THE MOST APPEARANCES FOR ATLANTA UNITED?

The 6’4 tall American goalkeeper Brad Guzan has had the most appearances in Atlanta United. The same player was unused by the United States of America’s Men’s Soccer Team in the 2010 World Cup.

NAME OF THE PLAYER	NUMBER OF APPEARANCES
Brad Guzan	165
Joseph Martinez	158
Jeff Larentowicz	132
Julian Gressel	118
Miles Robinson	118

MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSFERS IN THE HISTORY OF ATLANTA UNITED 

The Argentine International star Thiago Almada was bought by Atlanta United in February 2022.

NAME	CLUB FROM	CLUB TO	TRANSFER AMOUNT
Thiago Almada	Vélez Sarsfield	Atlanta United	$16 million
Pity Martinez	River Plate	Atlanta United	$15.5 million
Ezequiel Barco	Independiente	Atlanta United	$15 million
Luiz Araujo	Lille	Atlanta United	$12 million
Miguel Almiron	Lanus	Atlanta United	$8 million

CONCLUSION: OVERVIEW OF ATLANTA UNITED LEGACY

Atlanta United has tasted great success in its short history in the MLS. However, with the league’s ever-expanding approach and the soccer culture picking up in America, we can surely say that Atlanta United will definitely be one of the teams to watch out for in the coming times.

They would cause misery throughout the MLS with their attacking brand of playing football in order to succeed and win big.