Wednesday at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground was a powerful reminder of the incredible passion of our fanbase! Despite the recent run of form, the Atlanta United faithful showed up in full force, bringing the energy, the noise, and all the ATL pride!
We’re talking drums, kazoos, and even a cardboard cutout of our very own bald wall, Brad Guzan! It was a mini-Gulch right there in Marietta! As training wrapped up, our amazing supporters lined the gates, showering the players with love, snapping photos, and getting those prized autographs on flags, shirts, and yes, even that cardboard Brad!
Thankfully, the sun was shining down on this display of unwavering faith. Our supporters watched intently as the squad went through a lengthy training session, and their belief was clear, applauding every bit of beautiful play and every goal in the scrimmages.
As one supporter perfectly put it, “We’re the heartbeat of it. We’re there to support them, win, lose or draw. There are good days and bad days, but [we] support the crest and keep believing.” That’s the spirit, Atlanta!
It was a huge turnout of members from various club supporters’ groups, many even taking time off work or school to get an inside look at how our team prepares. The connection between the club and the 17s is undeniable, and events like this just strengthen that bond. Many fans shared that they’ve been there since our inaugural season – that’s dedication!
And the love goes both ways! Our players and coaches always make sure to head over to the supporters’ end after home matches to show their gratitude, win or lose. It’s all about respect and club unity!
One supporter’s words resonated deeply: “I love when the team comes around at the end of the game to thank the fans. That touches our hearts. That shows that, win or lose, they’re still supporting us as much as we support them.”
Lemon Pepper Wing Backs and Defensive Stability!
Let’s talk tactics! Coach Deila’s shift to a system featuring those dynamic wing backs has been a real stabilizer! Whether you call it a five-at-the-back in defense or a 3-4-2-1 in attack, the roles of Pedro Amador, Matt Edwards, Brooks Lennon, Ronald Hernández, and Saba Lobjanidze in those wide areas have been key. Since this change, we’ve only conceded two open-play goals in the last three matches – a massive improvement!
As Mateusz Klich pointed out, “They’re the key to our to the system… That’s what it’s all about, the overloads on the side.” These guys are crucial both defensively, closing down wingers, and in attack, providing those vital outlets!
Now, it’s all about that final touch, that “killer instinct” in front of goal that Coach Deila has been talking about. Pedro Amador believes it’s just a matter of concentration, and the training sessions have been focusing on both tight spaces and those larger forward movements to create more opportunities.
What’s Next: Cincy at the Benz!
We’ve got a full week of training to gear up for a massive Sunday Night Soccer clash against FC Cincinnati right here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium! After that busy stretch, the team had a day off and now has five straight days to prepare. This is a chance to build momentum and head into a top-of-the-table battle with confidence!
As Amador said, “We’re suffering, but in the next game, we could score two or three goals and then feel like everything is turned. We know this is soccer. Things change really fast. The first thing you need is that consistent work ethic.”
That consistent work ethic, combined with the unwavering support of the 17s, is what will get us there! Let’s pack the Benz on Sunday and show Cincy what Atlanta United is all about!
What are your thoughts on the team’s progress and the incredible support, Atlanta? Let’s hear it! #UniteAndConquer
