The Black-and-Red face Atlanta United F.C. in the two teams' first matchup in history at Bobby Dodd Stadium on April 30 at 3 PM. The league debutants have fared well so far this season, going 3-2-2 with 11 points, good for fourth in the East. Ahead of the historic meeting in Georgia, here are five things you need to know about United's newest opponent.
Offensive Output
Head coach Tata Martino and technical director Carlos Bocanegra have built their squad with an emphasis on offense, which has delivered so far. Atlanta lead the Eastern Conference in goals scored with 17, have only been shut out once and have scored multiple goals in four games (including a 6-1 thrashing of fellow newcomers Minnesota United and a 4-0 victory over Chicago).
South Americans
With Martino at the helm, Atlanta have a healthy Latin influence throughout the roster. The team's three Designated Players, Hector Villalba, Josef Martinez and Miguel Almirón, hail from Argentina, Venezuela and Paraguay, respectively, while Yamil Asad and Carlos Carmona (Argentina and Chile) are mainstays in the lineup as well. Greg Garza, a left back who has USMNT experience, also played in Mexico for years.
Owner is __
Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, also owns Atlanta United F.C. The co-founder of The Home Depot, who has owned the Falcons since 2002, is also the reason the team will move to Mercedes-Benz Stadium later this year.
Back in Atlanta
Atlanta are hosting the Black-and-Red for their first home game since March 18, a four-match stretch. Even with such a potent offense, however, Atlanta are 1-1 at home this year; the Red Bulls defeated them 2-1 at Bobby Dodd back in March. Asad scored Atlanta's lone goal, becoming the first goalscorer in club history.
Local Support
Atlanta have already had some celebrities show their support for the new MLS side, including Ludacris, Waka Flocka and Rich Homie Quan.
