Atlanta United split its six matches home and away last month, many of them filled with jaw-dropping goals and nail-biting saves. Just as much excitement from on the pitch was seen off it as well, including national team call-ups and Academy players’ college commitments. Let’s reflect on some of the best moments from May.
In GG We Trust
It was another great month for Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis. Despite playing limited minutes while recovering from a hamstring injury, Giakoumakis still recorded four goals and 15 shots in May to earn Performer of the Month. He scored a brace off the bench against Chicago and two more goals against Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution to bring his team-leading total this season to nine goals.
Another One for the Tank
It's no surprise that the top goal-scorer also has the Goal of the Month. Giakoumakis put the exclamation point on the thrilling 4-0 win over Colorado Rapids with a goal in the 90th minute. The striker chipped the goalkeeper then poked the ball into the net for a play that won AT&T Goal of the Matchday and earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday.
Atlanta Calmed the Rapids
Atlanta United had its best performance of the month in the 4-0 rout over Colorado Rapids at home. Giakoumakis, Thiago Almada, Luiz Araújo and Tyler Wolff all found the back of the net, and goalkeeper Quentin Westberg made three saves for his first clean sheet of the season. The 5-Stripes recorded season-highs in shots (27), shots on goal (10) and expected goals (3.85 xG) while maintaining over 67% possession.
Caleb Called Up for the Cup
Just one month after making his United States men’s national team debut, Caleb Wiley was called up to join the U-20 team to represent the U.S. at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The team dominated the group stage, including a 3-0 win over Fiji with Wiley scoring the final goal in the 99th minute. The U.S. advanced past the Round of 16 with a 4-0 win against New Zealand, but fell 2-0 to Uruguay in the quarterfinals.
1️⃣7️⃣ Academy Commitments
The club spent this year’s National Signing Day celebrating 17 Atlanta United Academy players who signed their Letters of Intent to continue their soccer careers in college this fall. Over $2 million was awarded in scholarship funds, and 15 of the 17 commitments were to Division I programs. Four other seniors from this class have already signed professional contracts with Atlanta United and Atlanta United 2: Caleb Wiley, Alan Carleton, Luke Brennan and Jonantan Villal.
Unified Takes Over the Benz
The Atlanta United Special Olympics Unified Team played their first match of the season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a late-night matchup against Charlotte FC’s Unified Team. While the match ended in a scoreless draw, the 5-Stripes put on a show in their first-ever 11v11 match on a full field. Atlanta supporters made a great crowd, and first team players and Unified ambassadors Brad Guzan and Derrick Etienne Jr. made appearances.
First Goals for Wolff, Berry
Continuing with firsts at the Benz, two late-match goals from forwards Tyler Wolff and Miguel Berry put their names on the score sheet for the first time this season. After a shot from Thiago Almada bounced around in front of goal, Wolff poked it into the net in the 87th minute of Atlanta’s win over Colorado Rapids. Two weeks later, Berry smashed an incredible volley in the top left corner of the net in the 87th minute of the team’s draw against New England.
May Scarf Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month
Atlanta United released a new team scarf in May that honored Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The club shot a campaign photoshoot with its AAPI employees, and Tyler Wolff spoke with the club about how he celebrates his Filipino background during the month.
All-Star Voting Now Open!
Major League Soccer opened the voting process for the 2023 MLS All-Star Game, with voting open from May 31- June 14 at 11:59 p.m. Sixteen Atlanta United players are eligible for selection, so cast your votes here!
