From Los Angeles to Chicago to a full Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 5-Stripes Don’t Stop. July featured some memorable matches, including our first trip to L.A. since 2019, our rivalry match against Orlando City SC and our Unified Special Olympics team who faced off against Orlando’s Unified Team on the same night. Let’s look back on the month’s top moments.
¡Que Cabezazo!
On his second career start, Juanjo Purata scored his first goal with the league, a much-needed goal for the 5-Stripes. Atlanta was down 1-0 in the rivalry match against Orlando when Atlanta received a free kick in the 71st minute. Thiago Almada took the free kick and Purata was able to separate from the Orlando defense and score the game-tying goal.
What. A. Save.
On July 17, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted a double header with Atlanta United’s Unified Special Olympics team taking the pitch against Orlando City SC’s Unified team after the first team match. The Atlanta Unified team’s match was action packed, ending in a 2-2 draw. In the first half goalkeeper Anthony Hernandez made an incredible diving save that helped maintain the score.
The New Guy in Town.
Since his arrival at the club Juanjo Purata has stated that he wants to work hard and help the team and a couple of games after his debut he’s done just that. Being named twice to the MLS Team of the Week and scoring the equalizer in the match up against Orlando has earned Juanjo Purata the honors of Performer of the Month.
Not One, But Two
Ronaldo Cisneros continues to make a name for himself with Atlanta United. Earlier in the season Cisneros scored a hat trick against Chicago Fire FC and this past month the Mexican striker got close again scoring a brace against Real Salt Lake. The 5-Stripes won the match 2-1 and Cisneros celebrated by dedicating his goal to his baby on the way. Watch the highlight from the match below:
Signings, Signings, Signings
July brought three new signings. Aiden McFadden signed a first team contract after stepping up and playing with the team for part of the season. Following McFadden came another Atlanta United 2 signing when the club announced Ajani Fortune will sign a homegrown deal next year. Fortune has trained with the first team throughout the season. The final announcement came with the signing of Edwin Mosquera, the Colombian winger arrived at the club on August 2.
