Atlanta United is so back. Aside from clinching a spot in the playoffs, the club also broke various records and the city further proved why it’s becoming the soccer hub of the country. Let’s take a look at some of the best moments from September.
Back like we never left
For the fifth time in Atlanta United’s seven-year history, the 5-Stripes will be headed to the postseason. With only three matches remaining, Atlanta has at least secured a seventh-place finish in the Eastern Conference to earn a spot in the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The club currently sits in sixth place with the potential to move up to top-four, which would guarantee a home-field advantage in the first round.
Saba Time ⌚
It’s no secret Atlanta’s newest signings have been on fire since joining the club this summer, one of which being Saba Lobjanidze. The Georgia international has been spectacular in Atlanta’s attack, contributing to five goals (2g/3a) this month alone. The winger makes an impact whether he’s in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, which has resulted in him producing 2.16 goals + assists per 90 minutes.
Giorgos Giakoumak 15
The Greek striker can’t be stopped. Giorgos Giakoumakis scored his 15th goal of the season against Montréal, which ties him for the lead in the Golden Boot race. The high pressure from him and winger Xande Silva resulted in a turnover for Montreal, and Giakoumakis took advantage and sent a cheeky chip over the keeper one minute into the second half of the match.
Another Assist for Almada
The accolades keep racking up for Thiago Almada this season. The Argentine set a new club record with his 15th assist of the season (which he’s already extended to 16) in the match against Inter Miami CF. The record was previously held by Miguel Almirón and Julian Gressel. Almada’s 16 assists currently lead MLS in that category.
A-T-L... more like A-T-no Ls
For the first time this season, Atlanta United went undefeated the entire month with a record of 2-0-2 (W-L-D) and outscored its opponents 12-6. Nine of the 12 goals came from two huge home wins against Inter Miami CF and Montréal; the other three came during the competitive draws against FC Dallas and D.C. United.
Homegrown Success
Two Atlanta United players, Tyler Wolff and Caleb Wiley, made club history last month. Wolff scored a goal in the 89th minute of the match against Miami, making him the first Atlanta Homegrown player to score five goals in a single season. And with Wiley making the starting lineup against Montréal, he set the record for most MLS appearances (53) by an ATL UTD Homegrown.
Welcome to Atlanta
U.S. Soccer announced last month that it would be building a National Training Center right here in Atlanta. Philanthropist and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank contributed $50 million to support the construction of the facility. The training center will be utilized by all 27 U.S. national soccer teams and serve as headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Honoring our community
September was all about honoring our 17s as the month marked the start of Latin Heritage Month and Unite & Conquer Cancer Month. Atlanta dropped a new retail collection that celebrates Latin Heritage month, and its digital team has produced various videos and social content to highlight stories and the heritage of its Latin players and staff members.
Atlanta also hosted many events to raise awareness and show support to those affected by pediatric cancer. Two fighters, Hanna Clegg and Dakota Southerland, designed the U&CC scarf and jersey numbers worn by the team during its annual Unite & Conquer Cancer match on September 23.
