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Atlanta United Vs FC Cincinnati: 3 things we learned – Hot start continues

By Josh Bouland

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 29: Ezequiel Barco #8 of the Atlanta United moves with the ball during second half stoppage time against the Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Atlanta defeats Nashville 2-1. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 29: Ezequiel Barco #8 of the Atlanta United moves with the ball during second half stoppage time against the Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Atlanta defeats Nashville 2-1. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta United
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 30: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United reacts after a missed scoring opportunity in the second half against Toronto FC during the Eastern Conference Finals between Atlanta United and Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 30, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Another record crowd and touching moments

Over 69,000 fans made it to Mercedes Benz Stadium on Saturday night for the 2020 home opener. That ranks 10th on the all-time list for attendance at a single MLS match. Atlanta United now hold all of the top 10 spots on that records list.

Amazingly, Atlanta saw over 59,000 fans the week before in Nashville, meaning over 128,000 fans have seen the first two Atlanta MLS matches in 2020. These are record-breaking numbers for MLS, proving both the growth of the year and explosive success of the Five Stripes.

With so many fans on hand, the stadium produced many tributes to Josef Martinez. With Martinez lost for the season thanks to an ACL tear, many fans showed their love. New banners appeared in the supporters’ section (LONG LIVE THE K7NG) and the entire crowd did an ‘Oh Josef Martinez’ chant during the seventh minute of Saturday night’s match. Former captain Michael Parkhurst attended the game in a Martinez jersey and the crowd cheered multiple times when the halo board showed Martinez in attendance.

Next. Toronto FC Vs New York City FC: 5 things we learned. dark

Atlanta United have set the standard for expansion teams. And their record-breaking crowds are a crucial part of that, with or without Martinez on the pitch.

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