Monthly Round-Up: Home wins galore and new personal achievements in March

Stellar at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Though the 5-Stripes played their first 2024 regular season game in late February, the beginning of the season picked up in March. The club played four games in March, three of them at home at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The first home game was a strong 4-1 victory against the New England Revolution. Giorgos Giakoumakis began his Golden Boot campaign with hat trick to seal the win. Thiago Almada also scored a penalty kick.

Their next home win game against Orlando City SC. It was the first time that team wore their new community kits. The blue and yellow of the Resurgens kit shining as the 5-Stripes rise over Orlando. Giakoumakis continued his excellent start to the season with a goal and an assist on from Saba Lobjanidze. During his 200^th appearance in all competitions for the club, Brad Guzan earned another clean sheet. His eighth clean sheet against Orlando.

The third and final home game of March was one for the books. Against Chicago Fire FC, Giakoumakis scored again, bringing his goal total so far to five. The Greek striker became the first player since Josef Martinez to score five goals in the first five matches of the season. The fifth goal also marked his 22^nd regular season goal, making him second all-time highest scorer in club history.

But a major contributor to the 5-Stripes' 3-0 victory was a brace from Jamal Thiaré. The two goals not only came on Thiare’s birthday, but they were his first goals as a member of Atlanta United.

League Recognition

Both Giakoumakis and Thiaré were recognized by the league for their great performances to start the season. Giakoumakis made MLS Team of the Matchday two weeks in a row for his hat trick against New England and his goal and assist against Orlando. Thiaré was acknowledged for his birthday brace by also making Team of the Matchday.

This FIFA window marked a major milestone for one of Atlanta's international players. Atlanta United's midfielder Bartosz Slisz helped Poland punch its ticket to the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Poland qualified for the Euros after beating Wales in a penalty shootout 5-4 at Cardiff City Stadium in the Path A final. Slisz started the qualifying match for Poland and played a full 90 minutes plus extra time.

International Call Ups

March 18-26 was the first official FIFA international window of the year. Six Atlanta United players – Luis Abram, Thiago Almada, Jay Fortune, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Bartosz Slisz, and Caleb Wiley – were all called up to represent their respective countries. Because of the call ups, the six players were not available for Atlanta’s match against Toronto FC.

Women’s History Month

Corresponding with the International Women’s Day on March 8, March is Women’s History Month. Atlanta United highlighted Footie Mob President Ashley Robinson, Wish ATL CEO Julie Hogg, and Melani and Simran from Made for the W for the occasion.

Generation adidas Cup

Beginning on March 30, Atlanta United’s U-15 and U-17 Academy teams participated in MLS Next’s Generation adidas Cup. The GA cup is the height of youth competition as far as MLS is concerned. 80 teams, split equally between U-15 and U-17, from all over the world play against each other in a multi round tournament.

As of April, 4, Atlanta’s U-15 squad have moved onto the Championship round of the tournament because they ended the group play stage as one of the top 16 teams. The U-17 team moved onto the Premier stage, which is for the next 16 teams of the tournament. Fans have been able to watch certain matches of the GA Cup through Apple TV's MLS Season Pass.

What’s to come

Atlanta United, and the 17s, have plenty more games to look forward to in April.