Introducing... the History of Atlanta Soccer podcast

Fifty-five years ago, Atlanta won the city's first professional sports title, but not many people have actually heard of the team that lifted the trophy. The Atlanta Chiefs were a professional soccer club that won the 1968 NASL championship on September 28, 1968. It was the first sports team to win a professional title in the city of Atlanta.

To commemorate the occasion, the digital team at Atlanta United announces "The History of Atlanta Soccer" presented by Piedmont a new audio series. The podcast, produced by Jason Longshore, Sandy McAfee and Atlanta United, tracks the growth of soccer in the city, from the turn of the century to organized teams like the Atlanta Chiefs, Silverbacks and Atlanta United.

Why did soccer take such a deep hold in Atlanta? How did Atlanta become such fertile ground for the world’s most popular sport? From homespun beginnings to sold-out matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new series covers how the sport grew in Atlanta with interviews with local coaches, former players, current front office staff and lifelong ATLiens.

Whether you're a soccer nut, a casual supporter or an Atlanta resident curious to learn more about the city, join us as we dive into the rich, beautiful, passionate history of soccer.

"The History of Atlanta Soccer" presented by Piedmont is now available on Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to the trailer now.

Episodes
Episodes
The Beginnings, Part 1

The Beginnings, Part 1

We set the scene on what Atlanta was like during the early 1900s, moving through the following decades and discussing the little pockets of soccer developing in the city.

The Beginnings, Part 2

The Beginnings, Part 2

In part two, we discuss the next wave of soccer in the 1950s and 60s, which would lay the foundation for the city’s first professional soccer franchise, the Atlanta Chiefs.

Tribute to Dick Cecil

Tribute to Dick Cecil

In this bonus episode, an epilogue to our first two, we take a moment to remember Dick Cecil, president of the Atlanta Chiefs soccer club, who passed away in August.

Atlanta Chiefs (1967-1972)

Atlanta Chiefs (1967-1972)

We cover the launch of the club, their debut at Atlanta Stadium and the 1968 team that won the NASL championship, which gave the city its first title won by a professional sports team.

Atlanta Apollos (1973)

Atlanta Apollos (1973)

The Atlanta Apollos picked up right where the Atlanta Chiefs left off. The Apollos played one season in the NASL in 1973, making them the one-hit wonder of professional soccer in Atlanta.

Atlanta Chiefs (1979-81)

Atlanta Chiefs (1979-81)

The Atlanta Chiefs returned to professional soccer behind the investment of media mogul Ted Turner. The Chiefs played in the NASL coming off world-class star Pelé's stint with the New York Cosmos.

Georgia Generals (1982)

Georgia Generals (1982)

The Generals capitalized on where the Chiefs found some late success in DeKalb and played at DeKalb Memorial Stadium for the 1982 ASL season. Their marketing slogan was "Star-Spangled Soccer."

How To Listen
How To Listen
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
ATLUTD.com