It seemed like just yesterday captain Michael Parkhurst lifted the trophy with his team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but as the celebrations come to a close at the turn of the year, it’s eyes on a new season and new goals for reigning MLS Cup champions Atlanta United. With new head coach Frank de Boer, the acquisition of winger Brek Shea, and still time to add to the roster, the Five Stripes enter their third season in the league poised to defend their crown.
Don’t miss any red, black & gold action. See below for all the important dates you should keep your eye on in 2019.
January – 2019 Schedule Release
Atlanta United know they will open the season against D.C. United and then at home FC Cincinnati, but they will discover the rest of their path very soon when MLS reveals the full 2019 Regular Season schedule.
January 3rd-9th – 2019 MLS Combine
With the SuperDraft approaching, a select number of players eligible for selection are invited to a combine to showcase their talent and raise their stock ahead of the draft. This year’s event takes place in Orlando, FL. Click here for information on how to watch all the games at the combine.
January 11th – 2019 MLS SuperDraft
Immediately following the MLS Combine, the MLS SuperDraft will take place in Chicago, IL where all 24 teams will have the opportunity to select players from a pool primarily comprised of those who recently finished their NCAA career or who have decided to forego their college eligibility to become professionals. Click here for everything you need to know about the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
January 14th – Atlanta United Preseason Begins
The MLS preseason officially begins on January 21st, but with their debut in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League quickly approaching in February, Atlanta United players will report for preseason duty a week earlier on the 14th. It will be new head coach Frank de Boer's first chance to assess his squad as he prepares for his first season at the helm of the club.
February 21st/28th – Concacaf Champions League debut
In addition to winning MLS Cup and shattering a number of league records, a massive achievement of the 2018 season for ATL UTD was qualification for the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League – the sport’s premier professional tournament in North America held annually featuring the elite clubs from leagues across North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Drawn as Atlanta’s first-ever CCL opponents is CS Herediano, the reigning champions of Costa Rica, whom they will face in Leg 1 in Costa Rica on February 21st before hosting the reverse fixture a week later at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw on February 28th.
March 3rd – Season Opener at D.C. United
Atlanta United will open their third MLS season at the newly constructed Audi Field of D.C. United. Atlanta dominated D.C. 3-1 in the home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium last season, so they will be hoping to deliver more of the same as they begin their 2019 campaign on the road.
March 9th – ATL UTD 2 Season Opener in Kennesaw, GA
ATL UTD 2 will begin its second season and 2019 play in the recently rebranded USL Championship on March 9th as they host Hartford Athletic. The future stars of the club will face off in their new home of Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA.
March 10th – Home Opener vs FC Cincinnati
The Five Stripes will open their 2019 MLS home schedule in historic fashion as they host league newcomers FC Cincinnati, marking the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Be there as Atlanta United and the 17s defend their fortress of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, by purchasing our Home Opener Ticket Pack here.
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Those are just the important dates as Atlanta United kicks off 2019, but there’s much more to come later in the year including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, MLS All-Star Game, and the MLS Cup Playoffs where ATL UTD will hope to defend their 2018 title. Make sure you don’t miss a beat by signing up for our stay connected list here.
