Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United FC, also known as The Five Stripes, is a professional football club based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The club was established in 2014 by Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta United FC is a member of the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier of professional football in the United States and Canada.

The club played its inaugural season in 2017, quickly making a name for itself in the league. Atlanta United FC's first head coach was former Barcelona and Argentina manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino. Under Martino's guidance, the team quickly became competitive, reaching the playoffs in their debut season.

Atlanta United FC's home games are played at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a venue they share with the Atlanta Falcons. The stadium, which opened in 2017, is known for its unique retractable roof and circular, 360-degree scoreboard. It can seat more than 71,000 spectators for soccer matches.

The club's colors are red, black, and gold, and their crest features a circle with a stylized 'A' and five stripes, representing the club's five pillars: unity, determination, community, excellence, and innovation. Atlanta United FC's supporters are known for their passionate and energetic support, with several supporter groups contributing to a vibrant matchday atmosphere.

In just their second season, Atlanta United FC achieved significant success by winning the MLS Cup in 2018, becoming the first sports team from Atlanta to win a major championship since 1995. They defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 in the final, with goals from Josef Martinez and Franco Escobar. Martinez, a Venezuelan striker, has been a key player for the club, setting numerous scoring records and earning the MLS MVP award in 2018.

In addition to their MLS Cup victory, Atlanta United FC has also won the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup in 2019. The club has established itself as a powerhouse in the MLS, consistently finishing at the top of the Eastern Conference and regularly qualifying for the playoffs.

Atlanta United FC has also made significant investments in youth development, with the establishment of the Atlanta United Academy in 2016. The academy aims to develop homegrown talent for the first team and has already produced several players who have made their professional debuts.

The club's commitment to excellence on and off the pitch, coupled with the passionate support of their fans, has seen Atlanta United FC become one of the most successful and popular clubs in the MLS in a very short time. Their fast-paced, attacking style of play and dedication to community engagement have endeared them to football fans not just in Atlanta, but across the United States and beyond.