Football Season Review

Joining MLS as one of the two new expansion sides for the 2017 campaign, Atlanta United would make a real impact over the course of the season, and will most definitely be pleased with their debut campaign. Playing some of the most exciting and fast-paced football in the league, Atlanta were one of the most enjoyable sides to watch throughout the year. United would finish the season in fourth position in the Eastern Conference table, qualifying for the playoffs at the first time of asking. While they would ultimately suffer a surprise defeat in the first round stage to the Columbus Crew, they will still undoubtedly be happy with their achievements. Miguel Almiron, Hector Villalba and Josef Martinez would provide the main attacking threat for United, with the side often lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Scoring a total of 70 goals throughout the season, Atlanta would prove to be one of the deadliest teams in the league, scoring the second most of all other sides, barring MLS Cup champions, Toronto FC. Josef Martinez’s 19 goals in 20 games earned him the club’s top scorer award, with the powerful striker having surely taken home the MLS golden boot award had he managed to stay healthy for the full season. While Atlanta would break records on the field as perhaps the best MLS expansion side in the league’s history, their fans would too set records from the stands. Averaging over 45,000 a game, Atlanta would set the record for the highest average attendance of any MLS team. With a strong fan base and solid team, United’s prospects for the coming campaign certainly look promising. The multi-million dollar signing of Darlington Nagbe from the Portland Timbers is a real sign of their ambition. The US international will bring some added quality to the midfield, with the side from Georgia hoping for another playoff run in 2018.

Player of the Season: Josef Martinez