Miguel Almirón and Atlanta United return to the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground as they prepare for opening weekend of the MLS regular season. Photo Credit: Juan Blas/Atlanta United FC
Atlanta, GA – Atlanta United FC launched their inaugural season in 2017 with a successful campaign on and off the field.
Off the field, the club broke several MLS attendance records. They broke the record for a single regular season match against Toronto FC on that last day of the season with ticket sales of 71,874. They also broke records for season average of 48,200 and were the first club to break the 800,000 mark with a season total attendance of 819,404.
The club saw on the field success with a fourth-place finish. They ended the campaign a single point behind third place and two points out of second. Also, the team became the first expansion franchise to make the playoffs since 2009. The last time that happened was when the Seattle Sounders FC achieved the feat in their expansion campaign. Here is a quick look back at some key facts from the past season and what we can look forward to in 2018.
2017 Record: 15-9-10, 4th place in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta United scored 70 goals, second best in the league behind Toronto FC’s 74. They also featured a stingy defense that only allowed 40 goals which was 4th best in the league. The combination of this resulted with the second-best goal differential in the league of 30 goals.
Manager: Gerardo “Tata” Martino
Key Additions: MF/FWD Ezekiel Barco (Club Atlético Independiente), FWD Romario Williams (Charleston Battery back from loan), MF Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), DEF Franco Escobar (Newell’s Old Boys), DEF José Hernández (Caracas FC), DEF Sal Zizzo (NY Red Bulls), GK Mitch HIldebrandt (FC Cincinnati).
Key Departures: MF Carlos Carmona (Colo Colo), Yamil Asad (DC Unted), DEF Anton Walkes (Loan Expired Tottenham Hot Spurs), FWD Kenwyne Jones (Retired), Jacob Peterson (Waived).
The Big Question: When does Miguel Almirón depart to Europe?
It is not a question of if 24-year-old MLS newcomer of the year will leave. The question is does he leave during the summer break, or does he stay through the entire MLS season. Almirón has made it clear that he wishes to play in Europe. However, he has also talked about his love of playing for his idol Manager Tata Martino. He may forgo his next destination to achieve the goal of a MLS cup before he decides to leave.
Area to keep an eye on: Defensive Midfield
The unexpected loss of defensive midfielder Carlos Carmona has created an expected hole in the squad. Carmona requested a trade to his native Chile powerhouse club Colo Colo. His desire is to be close to his pregnant wife who is expecting their first child this summer. Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra made it clear at the start of training camp, Carmona was going nowhere. However, the club sat down with Carmona to discuss his future and decided to honor his request.
The addition of Darlington Nagbe will certainly change the dynamic of the mid field. Last season there was a successful partnership between long time MKS veteran Jeff Larentowicz and Carmona. Although Larentowicz is returning for 2018, at 34 years of age, he will not start every week.
There was some speculation that the Front Office would use some of the budget flexibility achieved to fill the spot from outside their existing squad, but that has not materialized.
Outlook: 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
There are questions about the chemistry and how long it will take this group to hit its stride. In their favor is the stability of the permanent home at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Also, this season they have one of the lowest miles traveled in the MLS, and a very balanced schedule. The Las Vegas odds makers also have them among the lowest odds after Toronto FC. All signs are favorable for the second season.
Atlanta United FC
MLS
