When Atlanta United entered Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2017, few could have predicted the rapid success the team would achieve.
Expansion teams in any league often struggle in their early years, needing time to build a competitive roster, develop a fan base, and establish a winning culture.
However, Atlanta United defied expectations, quickly becoming one of the league’s premier clubs and setting a new standard for success in American soccer.
Sports betting experts Bet442 have attributed the success of Atlanta United as the main reason for a growing interest in soccer throughout Georgia.
Building the Foundation for Success
Atlanta United’s success was no accident. It was the result of strategic planning, ambitious investment, and a deep understanding of the modern soccer landscape. The club’s owner, Arthur Blank, who also owns the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, approached the project with the same vision and commitment to excellence that made his business empire flourish. From the outset, the club prioritized three key areas: hiring an experienced head coach, investing in top-tier talent, and creating a passionate fan experience.
A Visionary Coach and a Unique Playing Style
One of the biggest moves Atlanta United made early on was hiring former Barcelona and Argentina national team coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. His pedigree brought instant credibility, and his attacking, high-pressing style of play suited both the MLS landscape and the talented squad Atlanta was assembling. Under Martino’s guidance, the team played an exciting brand of soccer that thrilled fans and overwhelmed opponents.
Smart Recruitment and Bold Signings
From the start, Atlanta United took an aggressive approach in the transfer market, targeting young, dynamic players from South America rather than relying on aging European stars past their prime. The signings of Miguel Almirón, Josef Martínez, and Ezequiel Barco demonstrated the club’s willingness to invest in young talent with the potential to be sold for a profit in the future. Almirón, in particular, became a revelation in MLS, dazzling with his creativity and pace before earning a high-profile move to Newcastle United in the English Premier League.
A Passionate Fan Base
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Atlanta United’s rise has been its fan support. Soccer in the southern United States had long been considered a tough sell, but Atlanta quickly shattered that notion. The team consistently drew massive crowds to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, regularly setting MLS attendance records. The atmosphere at home games rivaled that of top European clubs, creating a fortress for the team and a sense of belonging for supporters.
Rapid Success and a Historic MLS Cup Win
After an impressive inaugural season in 2017, Atlanta United took things to the next level in 2018. The team finished second in the regular season and stormed through the playoffs, culminating in a dominant MLS Cup Final victory over the Portland Timbers. Winning a championship in just their second season was an unprecedented achievement, cementing Atlanta United as one of the fastest-growing powerhouses in MLS history.
The Legacy and Continued Ambition
Although Tata Martino departed after the 2018 season and some of the original stars moved on, Atlanta United has remained competitive, consistently contending for trophies and continuing to draw large crowds. The club’s model of signing young, exciting talent and playing an attacking style of soccer has influenced other MLS teams, setting a blueprint for success in the league.
Atlanta United’s meteoric rise from expansion team to MLS Cup champion in just two years is a testament to smart ownership, strategic planning, and unwavering fan support. The club’s story proves that, with the right vision and execution, an expansion team can quickly become a powerhouse. Their success has not only transformed the sports landscape in Atlanta but has also helped elevate MLS as a whole, proving that soccer has a bright future in the United States.
