Atlanta United’s preseason has come to a close, with the regular season debut against the Houston Dynamo this weekend firmly the focus of the Five Stripes during this week of training. For any fans that may have missed it, here are the five biggest moments of the 2018 preseason:
The Return
The moment Atlanta United fans had been waiting on ever since October 26th. After months of rumors, predictions, and offseason, the Five Stripes returned to the field on February 10th. It was a game with several debuts, with Ezequiel Barco, Darlington Nagbe, Sal Zizzo, Oliver Shannon, Romario Williams and José Hernández all donning the red, black and gold for the first time against Nashville SC, who was making their first appearance in front of their fans in their inaugural match. A water-soaked pitch made the field a small obstacle for the build-up play, but that didn’t stop Atlanta United from putting in three goals past the USL side in their first-ever matchup.
The King Arrives
For the first time in Atlanta United history, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta opened its doors to a number of season ticket members for an open training for the first team. A gathering of the 5-Stripes army under a clear Georgia sky was good enough, but there was a surprise awaiting them. Team owner Arthur Blank took the field with VP & Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra and introduced the club's new King Peach kit, courtesy of an appearance from hip-hop star and ATL native, 2 Chainz.
The Josef/Miguel Connection
It’s impossible to narrow Atlanta United’s first year down to two players, but there’s no question that Miguel Almirón’s connection with Josef Martinez quickly became one of the most lethal combinations in the league in 2017. So when the two members of the MLS Best XI combined for the first time in 2018, it was a perfect reminder of how special last season was and what this year could be.
Barco’s First Goal
One of Atlanta United’s most significant moves this offseason was bringing in 18-year-old Argentine sensation Ezequiel Barco. The winger showed glimpses of his special potential in his first preseason matches, but Five Stripes fans were waiting for him to hit the back of the net. And what a strike it was, a sensational dribble and curling finish inside the far post that left the Minnesota United defense with no chance.
Youngsters Shine Against Charleston
The final match of the preseason offered a unique opportunity to see some of the younger players in Atlanta United’s squad face USL side Charleston Battery. With many of the more experienced players further along in their preseason training, Head Coach Tata Martino gave a chance to players like Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Miles Robinson and José Hernández to get a starting shot. While the game ended scoreless, Homegrown signing Andrew Carleton in particular put on an impressive passing display, including this spectacular outside-of-the-foot pass to create a chance for MLS SuperDraft pick Jon Gallagher.
That. Pass. 😱@andrewcarleton7 is inch-perfect to set up @JonGallagher96pic.twitter.com/JeR9Y3s3Hg
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) February 25, 2018
But the preseason is now in the rear-view mirror with all eyes turned toward the MLS regular season. The squad travels to Houston on Friday to play the Dynamo before returning home to Mercedes-Benz Stadium next week to face D.C. United in their home opener on March 11th. Tickets are still available, make sure you’ve reserved yours here.
