Following the MLS match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Atlanta United Special Olympics Unified Team hit the pitch to take on Nashville SC. After a scoreless nailbiter in the first half, the second half opened up and gave the supporters on hand at Mercedes-Benz Stadium an exciting 30 minutes of soccer -- and an Atlanta United Unified victory.
The 3-2 win late Saturday night not only concluded Atlanta United's Unified season with a win, it solidified one of the best runs in program history. For the second straight season, the Atlanta United Unified Team has not lost a match.
Most Unified players guessed Xavier 'X-Man' Hairston would lead the team in scoring this season, and he was in fact the player to break the deadlock in the 39th minute. After getting close a few times throughout the match, Hairston delivered a rocket with his left foot to give his side the one-goal lead. To celebrate, Hairston channeled first team player Saba Lobjanidze's goal celebration "Saba Time" and pointed to the imaginary watch on his wrist. The supporters in attendance struck up a "Xavier Hairston" chant.
Nashville answered with a goal of their own off a corner kick in the 42nd minute. Then, the visitors gained the lead a few minutes later with a shot slotted past the Atlanta goalkeeper in a 1v1 stiatuion.
Down a goal and facing adversity, Atlanta United Unified dug deep. Head coach Marty Jelleme's team didn't back down and showed how resilient they were. Atlanta equalized the match 2-2 with an impressive strike from Daniel Urshansky that went in for a goal.
The game-winner belonged to Savion Brown, who drove a low shot that trickled in after the Nashville goalkeeper initially got a hand on it. Brown's finish put Atlanta United Unified ahead 3-2 in the 58th minute of the match. The team came together to put on a strong defensive front in the final moments of the 60-minute contest and preserve the win.
The exhuberant crowd wearing Atlanta United kits and Somos Atlanta gear they picked up at the Team Store waved flags, chanted, and cheered for Unified. Supporters erupted when it looked like Anthony Hernandez had a breakaway, but the Nashville defender ran him down.
The Unified players made some great moves to show off their skills:
- Joe Villar carried the ball up the pitch and made a spin move, evading Nashville defenders with ease.
- Brown made a nifty cut on the dribble in Atlanta's attacking third.
- Alex Bartlett brought the ball down with his chest with confident technique.
- Kelly Robinson, a Unified All-Star this year, used her creativity on the attacking end, weaving around defenders.
- Last year's Unified All-Star Liam Stuart showed his work rate on the right side of the pitch, hustling after the ball and looking for chances to create.
- Alex Eberle was light on his feet, demonstrating selflessness with his quick passing to teammates.
In a close moment, Ike Eiswirth was under pressure from the Nashville attack. The center back dropped the ball back and let his goalkeeper handle it with his feet. Atlanta goalkeeper Dee Harden showed poise and cleared the ball out of danger. Harden came up big several times, especially with the match tied 2-2, to keep a victory within striking distance for Atlanta.
Although it was a rough night for the first team following a loss at home, several Atlanta United players stayed behind to watch the Unified match. Brad Guzan did an on-field interview at halftime. Tyler Wolff and Noah Cobb greeted several of the Unified players, wishing them luck.
The Unified match was competitive, and good sportsmanship was on display between the two sides. When Atlanta United player Steff Walker and a Nashville defender ran out of real estate and into the signage behind the goal after both went for the ball, the two players shook hands and walked off the light collision. After the final whistle, both teams shook hands, received medals and gathered together for a joyful group photo.
This was the final match for the Atlanta United Unified Team this season. They finish 2024 unbeaten for the second consecutive season, which is the first time in program history!
Congratulations to our Unified Team on a successful season!
Learn more about the history of the Unified program with our online guide. You can also listen to the History of Atlanta Soccer podcast to hear to the story of the program's beginnings.
Atlanta United Special Olympics Unified Team
The Atlanta United Unified Team presented by Gallagher is a team of athletes (those with intellectual disabilities) and partners (those without intellectual disabilities) that come together to play soccer in an inclusive manner.
