2018 Season Preview: Atlanta United

Atlanta United look to follow up an impressive 2017 debut with a run at this year’s Cup. A look into their new roster with predictions for the season ahead.

What a difference a year makes. There were a lot of unknowns surrounding this franchise last February. This February, Atlanta are already being pegged as favorites to challenge Toronto FC for the MLS Cup. Atlanta had high expectations heading into their first season in 2017, and this year the bar has been raised significantly. Even President Darren Eales said it in an interview with Atlanta’s 92.9 The Game: “We’re going for the Cup.”

Behind record numbers and a rabid fanbase, Atlanta looks to build off of its inaugural season postseason appearance. The organization added even more impressive pieces in the offseason and with an easier schedule this season, Atlanta have the potential to make a deep run into the playoffs with a possible match in December.

2017 Recap

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Record: 15-9-10

Finishing position: 4th in MLS, 4th in Eastern Conference

Post-season: 0(1)-0(3) Knockout round loss to Columbus

Transfers In

• Ezequiel Barco (Indepentiente)
• Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers)
• Franco Escobar (Newell’s Old Boys)
• Jose Hernandez (Caracas FC)
• Mitch Hildebrandt (FC Cincinnati)
• Sal Zizzo (New York Red Bulls)
• Lagos Kunga (Atlanta United Academy)
• Jon Gallagher (draft-Notre Dame)
• Patrick Okonkwo (Atlanta United Academy)
• Gordon Wild (draft-Maryland)
• George Bello (Atlanta United Academy)
• Oliver Shannon (draft-Clemson)

Transfers Out

• Yamil Asad (DC United)
• Tyrone Mears (Minnesota United)
• Kenwyne Jones (retired)
• Bobby Boswell (retired)
• Harrison Heath (Minnesota United)
• Carlos Carmona (Colo-Colo)
• Alexander Tambakis (Sporting KC)
• Anton Walkes (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Zach Loyd (declined)
• Jacob Peterson (free agent)
• Kyle Reynish (declined)
• Jeffrey Otoo (declined)
• Mark Bloom (declined)

Predicted Starting XI for Opening Weekend

2018 Predictions

Last year’s inaugural season was unforgettable, but this season looks to be even better. I predict a new attendance record for single game attendance and season long attendance. Either Miguel Almiron or Josef Martinez will be in the thick of things for the Landon Donovan MVP Award, while Martinez will be a frontrunner for the Golden Boot. Ezequiel Barco will challenge for Newcomer of the Year and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez will be one of the top defenders in the league.

As for the whole team, Atlanta will be favorites to claim the Supporter’s Shield and will be strong competition for defending MLS Cup winners, Toronto FC. Last year the team was three points from finishing second in the East. If they had won at least once against DC United in their three meetings, the playoffs might have turned out differently. Don’t expect too much from Atlanta in the US Open Cup though. Tata Martino and the organization will be more focused on the MLS Cup rather than the Open Cup.

Next: Ranking the top ten stadiums in MLS

With an improved attack and a season’s worth of experience, Atlanta will be popular picks to rise to the top of the league in 2018.

Finishing position: 1st in Eastern Conference, Supporter’s Shield winners, MLS Cup winners