Some people struggle to leave their legacy throughout their lifetime, for some it’s a regularity. From hoisting the MLS Cup for the first time in Sounders’ history to now helping lead an expansion club into its inaugural season, Tyrone Mears has experienced a euphoric few months to say the least.
Mears spent two full, successful seasons with Seattle, playing a key role in reaching the playoffs both years, starting in all but three matches in his tenure with the club. Since joining Atlanta United in late January via a trade with his former Cascadian team, the 34-year-old defender is enjoying a playing spell unlike any in his long-standing career.
“It’s been completely different. When I joined Seattle they had been established for a long time… It was a team that was already bonded, already had a way of playing,” he said. “Obviously coming here is completely different, there’s guys from all over the world we’ve been putting together and it’s been a short space of time for us to really get to know each other and understand how each player plays. What I can say is that it’s been four or five weeks now and the spirit is very, very high.”
Mears and his energized new club have two preseason matches under their belt, and their third opponent will be one of sincere familiarity for the Englishman. Tonight, Atlanta United face off against the Seattle Sounders as part of the 2017 Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston, SC.
Off the field, Mears has been able to catch up with some of his former teammates, but he knows that when they step on the field, it’s strictly business, and Seattle will undoubtedly be a difficult test.
Ahead of tonight’s clash, Mears mentioned, “I think the biggest thing that stands out is the set of attacking options that they have with Jordan Morris, Nico Lodeiro and Clint Dempsey…they’re big threats and it’s going to be important for us to deal with those guys.”
Atlanta United will need to be more of a unit than ever before and the back line in particular will have to be on high alert. Mears has witnessed the Sounders’ danger-men firsthand so he knows the high-class platoon running at them tonight, but just the same, he has also been swayed by the quality that defines his new team.
“I think the talent that we have in this locker room is impressive for the MLS,” Mears said. “I think the depth as well that we have, certainly with young players, it’s going to be a bright future for Atlanta.”
Not only has Mears been impressed with the mere caliber of his teammates, but also the distinction, the methodology and the professionalism from head coach Tata Martino.
“It’s very easy to look at where managers have been and where they’ve coached but I think until you actually witness how they go about things, how they prepare for games, what they demand out of players, the tactical awareness, then you realize you’re with a top, top coach and he [Martino] is definitely one of the top ones I’ve worked under.”
Though high in spirit, bountiful in talent and with a world-class coaching at their disposal, a brand new set of players and staff poses a challenge in itself.
“It takes time," Mears said. "Throughout the squad, throughout the starting XI and certainly when you’re talking about getting used to playing with that guy on the side of you. It’s important for the back line, the four defenders and the goalkeeper, you really have to be a unit and you can’t just suddenly switch that on and get it in preseason.”
What Mears stated next was quite powerful: “We’re going to have to go through tough times, there’s no doubt about that, but we’ll pick up as the season goes on. And the important thing, which I witnessed with Seattle last season, it’s how you finish the season, it’s how you end.”
The 34-year-old veteran will hope to use his experience, both in MLS and abroad, to solidify the back line and lead Atlanta United to success in the club’s inaugural season, and for Mears, starting with a striking performance against his former side would be quite the sparkplug.
You can watch Atlanta United take on Seattle Sounders tonight at 7:30 p.m. via Charleston Battery’s Live Stream here on ATLUTD.com.
