Soccer teams aren’t born, they evolve.
I can vividly recall the first day of preseason as a professional, for 12 different years.
Although some of those were with the same teams and organizations – seven to be exact – each first day was both similar and markedly different. I have been fortunate to be a part of some memorable teams both on and off the field. Some made it to the top of the mountain, others not as much. But from where I sit now, Atlanta United is something altogether different from it all. Granted, now I’m lacing up wingtips, not 6-stud Nike boots. My vantage point is a bit different, but my lens, a bit crisper.
This Sunday is Decision Day. With the playoffs clinched, expansion side Atlanta United takes on Toronto FC with a chance to finish the 2017 season as high as second place in the Eastern Conference standings and second overall in the entire league, a feat unheard of from a first-year side in the modern era. But let’s back the train up a little bit – how did we get here?
Let’s start global, then get local.
Arthur Blank is a builder. In 1978, he co-founded The Home Depot and materialized his vision of a one-stop shop for the ‘do-it-yourselfer’ in all of us. In 2017, he founded Atlanta United and executed his vision of bringing the global game to the local market.
He’s had his hand in building it from the start; in a lot of ways, using the Home Depot model to ensure the club’s immediate success. Similar to the store, Atlanta United has become the one-stop shop for the best display of soccer in America.
Internationally renowned coaches and front office executives? Yup.
World class talent? No doubt.
Training facilities rivaling the world’s top clubs? Easily.
State-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium? Check.
A fan base as ambitious and passionate as the brain trust that assembled the club? Absolutely.
And all those shiny toys are one thing, but it’s the people that make the donuts.
“Ideas are a dime a dozen. People who implement them are priceless.”- Mary Kay Ash
It starts at the top. Darren Eales has been cultivating a vision for Atlanta United with great care and a meticulous attention to detail. Whether that be a major hire, a guest spot as a color analyst or the voice purveyed on twitter; the club according to Eales has been a smooth cohesion of British class and southern hospitality.
He hired a U.S. Soccer hero in Carlos Bocanegra, an individual that grew up in this country’s system and went on to compete with the best in the world. I’ve learned it’s in your best interest to pick up a thing or two from the greats, and Carlos has sought after countless opportunities and returned with his pockets overflowing. Carlos is just one of many individuals who have worked tirelessly to grow this game before the existence of Atlanta United. He is the physical representation of that American work ethic – with the benefit of influence outside our borders – and he’s excelled in cultivating that same philosophy in Atlanta.
The ultimate architect to display the club’s vision on field? Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Tata has come in to this league and flipped the script with a young, energetic, roster playing enthralling, attacking soccer. What has impressed me most about his style is the willingness to go in to other stadiums and impose his will on them. His resume prior to arrival speaks for itself, but to come in to a new league, steer the ship, incorporate – and arguably lean on – the youth and find the success that Atlanta has, it’s something unheard for a foreign coach particularly in MLS. Tata has brought:
- A clear style & identity.
- The most attractive brand of soccer in the league.
- 1st expansion side to clinch the playoffs since 2009.
- 19 points from road games.
- A Golden Boot contender who played a shade over half the regular seasons games.
- A heavy contingent of youth, balanced by the right veterans in key positions.
- A defense that meshed quickly in year one, with seven clean sheets in the last nine games.
Chatting with people around the league, they say, “it borders on annoying how often these guys have been right with their decisions.” For a Philly guy that likes to pick holes in everything, that is exactly what you want to hear. From where I come from, that is respect.
This team has been through it all this year. They’ve felt the highs of dropping seven goals on the Revolution in front of their home fans. They’ve felt the embarrassment of losing three games against arguably the worst team in the league in D.C. United. They’ve felt the elation of hearing over 70,000 fans at their back in a vicious rivalry match. They picked up road points in infamously hostile environments like Seattle, Toronto, Kansas City and Orlando. They’ve weathered injuries to key players. All of these factors have led this team to this moment.
Win, lose or draw on Sunday against a very talented, Supporters’ Shield-winning Toronto FC side, there are plenty of stories left to be written by this franchise in 2017 and beyond. Make no mistake, this team will be led by a steadfast vision that has included and empowered fundamental pieces along the way.
I’ve been on the field for high-intensity games like this.
I’ve sought the leadership and focus from a captain that will be demanded of Michael Parkhurst from his team.
I’ve struggled with similar emotional battles facing Miguel Almirón – test the recovery from injury or rest to be 100% in the playoffs for the team.
I’ve felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up during the singing of the national anthem in front of a packed house of supporters.
But I’ve never – nor has anyone in history – witnessed over 70,426 fans unite together to roar on the sport in Major League Soccer. On Sunday that will change, as will the history books.
