Atlanta United are back on the practice field as they get ready for the second game of the 2024 season. The club had an early week off after playing the season opening match against the Columbus Crew on February 24.
On Saturday, March 9, the 5-Stripes will take on the New England Revolution at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first home game of the season. The 7:30 p.m. match will be familiar territory for most of the players on the club, but the new faces on the team will get their first shot at seeing Mercedes-Benz in all its glory.
Discussing the match against Columbus, how Atlanta United is growing as the season starts, and excitement around playing in Mercedes-Benz, recent signing Bartosz Slisz and Homegrown Caleb Wiley spoke to local media on Tuesday.
Caleb Wiley
The time in between the first and second match was used wisely as the club wanted to build on the good things they saw in the opening match, while working on the things that could be improved.
Caleb Wiley, the 19-year-old defender, spoke on how the week off was beneficial for the club’s development and players’ communication with each other. Despite the final score in Columbus, the club felt there was plenty of positives to take away from the match.
“Even though we lost, it was still a step in the right direction,” he said. “It was the first game, and we didn’t get the outcome that we wanted. But there were parts of the game that were promising. We looked back at the film; we can look at the things we need to learn. We’ll come to the field and work on those things.”
The Atlanta native and homegrown player is no stranger to how special games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium can be.
“It is the first game at the Benz, so we must bring the energy. Whenever I think about the first game, I just think back to my debut. It is a special moment to me.”
His debut was made even more special when he scored his first career goal in the game, leading to a win for Atlanta United back in February of 2022.
Bartosz Slisz
One of the newest additions on the team is Polish midfielder Bartosz Slisz. Signed through the 2028 season, the match on Saturday will be his first experience playing in front of a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“I heard a lot of great things about the first game here,” he said. “I hope there are a lot of people, and they will help us to win the first game here.”
Acclimating to a new club and system, as well as a new place, can come with a learning curve. But Slisz has embraced Atlanta, while the Polish community and Polish fans have showed equal enthusiasm in getting to know one of Atlanta United’s new faces. With over a month in Atlanta behind him, Slisz is exploring what the city has to offer.
“It is nice here,” he said. “There is also a Polish community here. We can speak about Atlanta and about the club.”
With Saturday just around the corner, Atlanta United will be hard at work for a good result against New England.
The 2024 home opener is here!
The new season is here and Atlanta United's home opener is on March 9. Secure your seat and join us at Mercedes-Benz Stadium!
