México... we're back!
Atlanta United landed in Mexico City on Monday to begin its second consecutive preseason trip to México. The team departed Atlanta just after noon, looking fresh in some new travel gear, then landed in Mexico City around 3 p.m. local time.
The team departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. While the players waited to board, a few of them shared what they like to do during flights. While watching movies was the most popular answer, we did have some podcast listeners, readers and gamers among us.
The team had just enough time to dump their stuff at the hotel before it was time to go to dinner at a steakhouse nearby. The dinner was served family style, and players shared plates of brisket, steak, spinach dip, risotto, and chips and dips. The evening wrapped up with the whole group singing 'Happy Birthday' to 2s player Nick Firmino.
Firmino is among several youngsters on the trip. Some we saw in the preseason friendly against Chattanooga FC, such as Tyler Young, Luke Brennan and Alan Carleton, and will continue to train with the first team during the México trip.
The team trains for the first time at the Mexican National Team headquarters on Tuesday. During the 10-day trip, Atlanta will also play two preseason friendlies against Mexican clubs: Saturday, Feb. 4 at Atlante F.C. and Wednesday, Feb. 8 Match at Cruz Azul.
Follow along with daily updates from México at ATLUTD.com/mexico and ATLUTD on Twitter. For the full preseason schedule, click here.