Today marks two years since what was once a dream became a reality and the Atlanta-granted MLS franchise became Atlanta United. And what a two years it’s been. To celebrate a historic day for the red, black and gold, here’s a quick look at the biggest moments along the way.
July 2015 - The Atlanta United Logo Is Unveiled
The moment that started it all. When fans became founding members and the club officially became Atlanta United
August 2015 - Atlanta United’s Home Gets A Name
Atlanta is just weeks away from moving into their new home, and this was a defining moment: when it officially became Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
January 2016 - First Player Signing
The day the team officially started coming together. Signing a player gave the fans something tangible to root for, and was the first step in building the Five Stripes on the field today.
March 2016 - First Academy Match
Atlanta United’s commitment to youth development has been apparent from the start, with the first academy game coming well before the first team ever took the field.
May 2016 - The First Trophy… Sort Of
They all count, right? Atlanta United’s partnerships in the community are hugely important to the club. Club president Darren Eales and technical director Carlos Bocanegra were just a few of the club staff that suited up for the Soccer in the Streets ATL Champions League tournament.
June 2016 - First Homegrown Signing
Atlanta United’s commitment to youth development paid off early, with Andrew Carleton becoming the first player in team history to sign a Homegrown MLS contract with the senior team.
September 2016 - First Head Coach Announced
What’s a team without their coach. Tata Martino brought an incredible amount of experience and tactical knowledge that has taken the club to another level.
Introducing our new head coach! #ATLUTDpic.twitter.com/vxAjloUXiQ
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) September 27, 2016
October 2016 - Atlanta United Foundation Launch
The club reaffirmed its commitment to the community with the launch of the Atlanta United Foundation. Click here to learn more about it.
November 2016 - The First Kit
The Five Stripes is born. It’s more than a shirt, it’s a symbol. And it all started here.
Inspired by the city and its people,
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 16, 2016
the 2017 #ATLUTD Primary Kit pic.twitter.com/LLe0cYVSXs
December 2016 - The MLS Expansion Draft
The team is starting to take shape. Darren Eales, Carlos Bocanegra and the Atlanta United technical staff picked up some key contributors in their first and only MLS Expansion Draft
January 2017 - The MLS SuperDraft
Another key moment in the creation of the inaugural Atlanta United squad. Atlanta drafted Miles Robinson and Julian Gressel in their first ever MLS SuperDraft.
Sound ON
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) January 20, 2017
Inside access with #ATLUTD at the @MLS SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/Xr1DLVnUG8
February 2017 - The First Preseason Match
The first time Atlanta United ever took the field together. A key step in the right direction as the club started to form its identity in the soccer world.
February 2017 - The First Captain
Picking the team’s leader on the field is an important step in the creation of any club, and Michael Parkhurst has done the club proud as its inaugural captain.
March 2017 - The Inaugural Match
An unforgettable match on the first night in front of Five Stripes nation at Bobby Dodd Stadium. A night this club, and its fans, will never forget.
March 2017 - The First Victory
Speaking of unforgettable nights, the club’s second league match marked its first ever competitive win and its first ever hat trick. In short, three words fans will remember a long time: the snow game.
April 2017 - Training Ground Unveiling
Commissioner Don Garber traveled to Atlanta for the grand unveiling of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, a state-of-the-art facility that demonstrates the club’s continued commitment to growing the game in the South.
June 2017 - First Special Olympics Unified Team
Increasing accessibility to soccer in the Atlanta area is a cornerstone of Atlanta United’s mission, and the team’s first ever Special Olympics Unified Team is a major step in that direction.
July 2017 - First MLS All-Stars
There’s no better way to celebrate two years than a major acknowledgement for the players on the field. Miguel Almirón and Greg Garza will represent Atlanta United at this year’s MLS All-Star team, making Atlanta one of only three teams with two players in the Fan Vote XI.
What an amazing two years it’s been. But as any fan of the Five Stripes will tell you, this is just the beginning.
