Atlanta United's Epic 2017 Season: A Year To Remember

The 2017 season marked Atlanta United FC's inaugural year in Major League Soccer (MLS), and boy, what a debut it was! Forget your typical expansion team struggles; Atlanta came out swinging, capturing the hearts of fans and setting the league on fire with their exciting brand of attacking soccer. Let's dive into what made this season so special, from the players and coaches to the unforgettable moments that defined Atlanta United's arrival on the scene.

Building the Foundation: A Team of Stars

Atlanta United's success in 2017 wasn't just luck; it was the result of a well-thought-out plan to assemble a competitive and exciting team. Sporting director Carlos Bocanegra and head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino brought together a mix of experienced veterans, promising young talents, and international stars, creating a roster that was both skilled and full of potential. At the heart of the team was Josef Martínez, the Venezuelan striker who quickly became a fan favorite with his incredible goal-scoring ability. His speed, agility, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for opposing defenders, and he wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the league's top marksmen.

Alongside Martínez, the team boasted the creative talents of Miguel Almirón, the Paraguayan playmaker who brought flair and vision to the midfield. Almirón's ability to unlock defenses with his precise passes and dribbling skills made him the perfect partner for Martínez, and together they formed a dynamic duo that terrorized MLS defenses. The midfield was further strengthened by the presence of Carlos Carmona, the experienced Chilean midfielder who provided stability and steel in the center of the park. Carmona's tackling, interceptions, and ability to break up opposition attacks made him an invaluable asset to the team.

In defense, Atlanta United relied on the leadership of Michael Parkhurst, the veteran center-back who brought a wealth of experience and composure to the backline. Parkhurst's organizational skills, aerial ability, and reading of the game helped to solidify the defense and provide a platform for the team's attacking players to shine. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who arrived mid-season, added further stability and experience to the team. Guzan's shot-stopping ability and command of his area made him a calming presence in goal, and his arrival helped to shore up the defense even further.

Tata's Tactics: An Attacking Masterclass

Tata Martino's influence on Atlanta United's success in 2017 cannot be overstated. The Argentine coach brought a clear tactical vision to the team, emphasizing attacking football, high pressing, and quick transitions. Martino's preferred formation was a 4-2-3-1, which allowed the team to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing plenty of attacking options. The two holding midfielders, usually Carmona and Jeff Larentowicz, provided cover for the defense and allowed the attacking players to roam freely. The attacking trio of Almirón, Martínez, and Yamil Asad were given license to express themselves, and their creativity and flair often proved too much for opposing defenses to handle. Martino's tactical flexibility also allowed the team to adapt to different opponents and situations. He was not afraid to make changes to the lineup or formation, and his ability to read the game and make timely substitutions often proved decisive.

Regular Season Highlights: A Rollercoaster Ride

Atlanta United's inaugural MLS season was anything but boring. The team started the season with a bang, winning their first-ever home game against the New York Red Bulls in front of a raucous crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium. This victory set the tone for the season, and Atlanta quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the regular season, Atlanta United treated their fans to a series of memorable moments, including a 6-1 demolition of Orlando City, a thrilling 3-3 draw against Toronto FC, and a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders. These games showcased the team's attacking prowess, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.

Of course, there were also some bumps along the road. Atlanta United suffered a few disappointing defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Toronto FC and a 3-1 loss to the New York City FC. However, the team always bounced back strongly from these setbacks, demonstrating their mental toughness and determination. One of the biggest challenges the team faced was the injury to Josef Martínez, who missed several games due to international duty and a knee injury. However, the team managed to cope without their star striker, thanks to the contributions of other players such as Héctor Villalba and Kenwyne Jones.

Playoff Run: A Disappointing End

Despite their impressive regular season performance, Atlanta United's playoff run ended in disappointment. The team qualified for the playoffs as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and faced Columbus Crew in the first round. After a scoreless first leg in Columbus, the return leg in Atlanta was a tense and closely contested affair. The game went to penalties after a 0-0 draw, and unfortunately, Atlanta United lost the shootout, bringing their season to an abrupt end. While the playoff defeat was undoubtedly a setback, it did not diminish the overall success of Atlanta United's inaugural season. The team had exceeded all expectations, capturing the imagination of fans and establishing themselves as one of the most exciting teams in MLS.

Key Stats and Figures: By the Numbers

To fully appreciate Atlanta United's achievements in 2017, it's worth taking a look at some of the key stats and figures from the season:

• Record: 15 wins, 10 losses, 9 draws
• Goals Scored: 70 (2nd highest in MLS)
• Goals Conceded: 40 (4th lowest in MLS)
• Josef Martínez: 19 goals (3rd highest in MLS)
• Miguel Almirón: 13 assists (2nd highest in MLS)
• Average Attendance: 46,816 (highest in MLS)

These numbers highlight Atlanta United's attacking prowess, solid defense, and incredible fan support. The team's average attendance was particularly impressive, demonstrating the passion and enthusiasm of Atlanta's soccer fans.

The Legacy of 2017: A Foundation for Future Success

The 2017 season was more than just a successful inaugural campaign for Atlanta United; it was the foundation upon which the club's future success would be built. The team's exciting brand of soccer, combined with their strong connection to the local community, helped to establish a loyal and passionate fanbase. The success of players like Josef Martínez and Miguel Almirón also helped to raise the profile of the club and attract even more talent. Off the field, the club's ownership and management team demonstrated a commitment to investing in the team and providing the resources necessary to compete at the highest level. This commitment has continued in the years since, and Atlanta United have gone on to win the MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup in 2019.

In conclusion, Atlanta United's 2017 season was a truly memorable one. The team exceeded all expectations, capturing the hearts of fans and setting the league on fire with their exciting brand of attacking soccer. While the playoff defeat was disappointing, it did not diminish the overall success of the season. The 2017 season laid the foundation for future success, and Atlanta United have gone on to become one of the most successful and popular teams in MLS. So here's to Atlanta United's incredible 2017 season – a year that will forever be etched in the memories of fans! It was truly a year to remember!