In April, Atlanta United welcomed an international guest to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, had four out of five matches at home, and once again made waves across the league. As April ends, and we welcome May, let’s look back at all the things that happened not only for Atlanta United, but for soccer fans here in Atlanta as well.
SheBelieves Cup and United States women’s national team comes to visit
At the beginning of April, the United Sates women’s national team practiced at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground as they prepared for the SheBelieves Cup, a tournament that is a part of U.S.Soccer’s initiative to inspire and empower women and girls. The USWNT defeated Japan 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and broke an attendance record for the largest crowd for a home friendly in the history of U.S. women’s soccer.
Their visit coincided with the U.S. Soccer Federation breaking ground on the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center on April 8. The center will span more than 200 acres and be utilized by all the U.S. Soccer National Teams.
Caleb Wiley scores ‘from Savannah’ and Bartosz Slisz has an excellent April
During the match against the Philadelphia Union, homegrown Caleb Wiley scored his first goal of the season. The long-range shot was a beauty and landed Wiley on MLS Team of the Matchday, as well as Atlanta United’s Goal of the Month for April.
"I saw the chance to take my shot, take the opportunity to hit it. And it went in the back of the net which was a nice feeling," Wiley said.
Wiley was not the only player that had himself a strong April, Polish international midfielder Bartosz Slisz also stood out with his impressive performance during that time.
With 2.17 interceptions per 90 minutes, fifth in the league for midfielders, and 4.19 tackles per 90 minutes, second in the league for mindfielder, Slisz is on fire.
Daniel Ríos, Efraín Morales make their Atlanta United debuts
Daniel Ríos, signed in March and acquired from CD Guadalajara (Chivas), made his debut for the 5-Stripes against Philadelphia Union. And what a debut it was – he scored his first goal of the season to get the squad on the board, adding to his career goal streak against the Union.
Also making his debut for Atlanta United was homegrown Efraín Morales. In its inaugural 2016-17 season, Morales joined the Atlanta United Academy on the U-12 squad and has been in the system ever since. On April 27 against Chicago Fire FC, he made his debut with the first team and played a full 90 minutes at center back, helpling Atlanta United earn the group's third clean sheet of the season.
10-year anniversary of the announcement that Arthur Blank is bringing soccer to Atlanta
April 16, 2024, marked 10 years since MLS announced that they would be expanding to Atlanta. Atlanta United began play in MLS in 2017.
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary, Atlanta United hosted a live show of the History of Atlanta Soccer podcast. The event was hosted by radio talent Jason Longshore and special guests included play-by-play announcer Mike Conti, and former Atlanta United member Greg Garza.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Draw
The draw held on April 18 announced Atlanta United will host Charlotte Independence in the Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Open Cup is a single-elimination competition that includes teams from both MLS and USL. Atlanta will play Charlotte on May 7 at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw.
Round | Date of Fixtures |
|---|---|
Round of 32 | May 7-8 |
Round of 16 | May 21-22 |
Quarterfinals | July 9-10 |
Semifinals | August 27-28 |
Finals | September 25 |
Uplifting and celebrating Black excellence
During the match against the Philadelphia Union, Atlanta United celebrated HBCU Night. After a step dance show before the match, and a halftime drumline performance from Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College bands, the night reached a crescendo when Atlanta United awarded two students scholarship money.
Jailyn Funn and Sachi Russell were given seven thousand dollars to help pay off their student loans.
“I think it is important to promote HBCUs,” said Russell. “A lot of the time, schools are underfunded and HBCUs can partner up with big organizations or sports teams to promote the school. It is all a big family; promoting that and getting the money for it is important for the success of the universities.”
Imman Park Festival
Inman Park Fest, which took place April 27, showcases Atlanta’s abundance of historic homes and several parks. The festivities, including a parade, are meant to drive attention for revitalization in the community. Not only did Atlanta United participate in the parade on April 27, but they also had the largest float in the parade.
What's to come
The season is not slowing down anytime soon for the 5-Stripes. Their first match in May comes at home against Minnesota United FC on May 4th. They have six MLS games in May, three of which are at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United will also play Charlotte Independence for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 7th. If they win that match, they will move onto the Round of 16 and play in late May.
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