What do you know about Atlanta United? Not enough, you say? Fortunately, Haris Kruskic of Dirty South Soccer (SB Nation’s ATL UTD blog) has kindly answered some questions for us about the Five Stripes. Check their site later this week for my responses to questions of his own.
For Cub and Country: What was it that allowed Atlanta United to be so successful in their first year of MLS? Was there just a huge soccer market that had been unrealized before, or did the franchise do something specific to get the huge turnouts for games and seemingly immediate deep passion of fans?
Haris Kruskic: It was definitely a combination of both. Personally, I’ve lived in Atlanta long enough to understand how diverse of a city it is and how much it loved soccer long before Atlanta was given an expansion team. I think a general gripe that comes with every expansion city is the question of whether it’s a “Soccer City” or not, but that question can never really be answered until the team starts playing matches. That was especially the case with Atlanta. As for what the franchise did to help increase awareness, their marketing and communication teams had a phenomenal plan in place to reach all of metro Atlanta through interactive participation(scavenger hunts, giveaways, etc.) I think that also had a snowball effect of sorts that included even the casual sports fans.
FCaC: On a similar note, what are the expectations this year? A drop-off in excitement from the lack of novelty, or continued big crowds, etc. from the high-profile signings they’ve made?
HC: The big crowds will continue. The season ticket numbers are still 35,000 strong according to the most recent update. From everyone that I’ve spoken too who went to an Atlanta match last season, they said they’ve never experienced a sporting event like that before. That kind of statement resonates, fans bring friends and family to experience it for themselves, and the cycle continues. I think Atlanta United have found a permanent spot for themselves in the hearts and minds of Atlanta sport fans.
FCaC: Speaking of those signings, are we expected to see some of the big ones in Nashville this weekend?
HK: All major signings should see at least some time on the pitch.
FCaC: Since it’s just a preseason friendly, what is your expectation for how Martino and his staff approach the game? Are they trying to win it, work on their schemes in a scrimmage situation, or something else?
HK: If it’s anything like last season’s inaugural preseason match against Chattanooga, Martino will give every player available to him minutes. He will play his preferred starting XI in the first half except for Tito Villalba who is out with an injury. Then, an entirely new XI will start the second half. I think this match is more about Martino getting his tactics across to the entire team than it is about winning.
FCac: What’s your prediction for a starting 11, most likely subs to be used, and then a final score?
HK: Predicted Starting XI: (4-3-3): Guzan, Garza, Pirez, Parkhurst, Escobar, Larentowicz, Nagbe, Almiron, Barco, Gressel, Martinez. All available subs will be used. Atlanta 2-0.
Many thanks to Haris for his time. Don’t forget to head to DSS for all your Atlanta United news and analysis.
Club and Country 