For any player, representing the 5-Stripes is an honor—but for those who grew up in Atlanta, it’s something even bigger. It’s wearing your city on your chest, your pride on your sleeve, and carrying the weight of a community that lives and breathes soccer.
For 22-year-old Will Reilly, that dream became reality last weekend. But if you expected nerves, hesitation, or rookie jitters, think again. The Decatur native played like a veteran, locking down the midfield and winning over fans, teammates, and his coach in his MLS debut against FC Cincinnati.
No Fear, Just Fire
Head coach Ronny Deila didn’t hold back in his praise.
“Will was unbelievable. Debut game, you can’t do more than that. He had the mentality I’m looking for.”
That mentality was on full display in the 92nd minute, when Reilly made a gutsy slide tackle in his own box, cleanly winning the ball and clearing the danger. Most rookies wouldn’t even attempt that. Reilly? He made it look effortless.
“That’s it—staying in control,” Reilly said. “I’ve never gotten a red card since I was a little kid. I wasn’t too concerned, just staying aggressive and playing the way I play.”
His stats backed up the eye test. 11 possession regains. Eight interceptions. Those numbers don’t just stand out—they set a new standard. No midfielder in MLS this season has put up those kinds of numbers in a single match.
More Than Just a One-Game Wonder?
Reilly’s rise has been years in the making. A member of Atlanta United’s inaugural Academy roster in 2016, he captained the U-17s before playing professionally with ATL UTD 2. After a standout college career at Stanford, he returned home with something to prove.
“Coming back, I have to earn my stripes again. I can’t just rely on previous work.”
With Bartosz Slisz on international duty and Tristan Muyumba sidelined, Reilly seized his moment. Now, he’s forcing his way into the lineup conversation for good.
Veteran Mateusz Klich, who subbed in alongside him, sees the potential.
“He stepped up. He played a really good game. He’s a hard-working guy, and he’s got a future, definitely.”
Deila put it simply:
“I think we got a new player today with Will.”
What’s Next?
With Muyumba out for at least three weeks, Reilly has an open runway to prove he belongs in the rotation even when the squad is at full strength. But don’t expect him to get comfortable.
“It starts on Tuesday in training again. Keep working my ass off every day. The results follow through the process.”
One game in, Atlanta may have just found its next homegrown star.
