Nyk Sessock didn't waste much time. He'd been waiting for his break.
Sessock's performance in his first career start in Atlanta United's Leagues Cup match Wednesday night was long-due triumph for a player who stayed patient. He played all 90 minutes and assisted the 5-Stripes' fourth and final goal of the evening, and his success was one of multiple historic moments for current and former 2s players on the night.
"For a very long time, it's where I wanted to be," Sessock said. "I finally got to show myself today, and I did it ... It's definitely an emotional time for my family. It's [been] a lot of years of hard work, and now it's just begun. I'm super excited to see where it goes."
The 25-year-old fullback worked his way through Philadelphia Union's academy and collegiate soccer at Pittsburgh and Indiana before signing with Atlanta United 2 February 24 of this year. There with the 2s, he started 14 matches and played over 1000 minutes as a roving wide player with two-way potential.
He got a taste of First Team action on his birth week, making his MLS debut June 12 just five days before turning 25. When head coach Ronny Deila named Sessock to the matchday squad for Atlanta United's Leagues Cup match against Pumas, his fourth and final Short-Term Agreement signing of the season, he knew he was close to his breakthrough. His 20-minute stint was a glimpse into what he could provide for the 5-Stripes: activity on the wings and dangerous crossing to name a few key attributes.
With that final call-up, Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson and Atlanta United's front office knew that if the coaching staff wanted Sessock to play again this season, they'd need to sign him to a First Team contract. And that's exactly what they did August 5, putting pen to paper and giving Sessock the chance to make appearances for Atlanta United for the rest of the season.
"[Henderson's] a guy that believes in me," Sessock said. "It's that one person that you need to like you. He brought me in, and I told him I wouldn't disappoint him."
Just a day later, he had his biggest opportunity yet. Sitting at right back on the starting XI for Atlanta United's match against Atlas FC August 6 was Sessock, his first career start with the First Team. Hearing the news, his father flew into Atlanta to witness his son's big moment.
"It felt like a dream," Sessock said. "I'm glad I made it worth it and that I was given the opportunity to play today."
Not only did he get to see his son play a full 90 minutes, but Sessock made the moment all the more special in the 68th minute. He found the ball in space on the right side of the attack, drove to the endline and fired a cross that landed perfectly on Cayman Togashi's head. The header looped into the net, and Sessock had his first career First Team assist.
"I was shocked. I just put my hands on my head," Sessock said.
Sessock and Togashi have shared the field on several occasions for Atlanta United 2 this season, and their chemistry in that moment seamlessly rendered onto the big stage.
"With the connection, it starts off the field," Sessock said. "The banter that we have, we smile, we laugh, we joke, and that always translates onto the field. I'm super pleased for him. He's a great dude, and he deserves it."
It wasn't just Sessock that made his own history Wednesday night. Three Atlanta United players made their First Team debuts with the club. Newly acquired Leo Afonso saw his first minutes. Cooper Sanchez, who signed a contract with Atlanta United on the same day as Sessock, and current 2s player Sal Mazzaferro both made their first appearances with the club as well.
"All of us, I know the guys even at home that didn't get the opportunity, they're super pleased [for us]," Sessock said. "We have a really connected unit of the 2s, and everybody's happy for each other. I know that."
Assistant coach Kenny Miller left no doubt about his thoughts on the Sessock and the debutants.
"Every single one of the lads who came into the team was outstanding," Miller said. "They contributed to a really good one."
Sessock's gracious demeanor is underlined by determination that drives him. Turning this performance into something more, like more regular play time, is the next step. For now, he'll know he's given the coaching staff something to mull over as they look at their team sheet each week.
"Wind is just fuel for the fire," Sessock said. "You just carry that with you, and then good things will come."
