What Does Atlanta United FC Pre-Season Tell Us?
By W. M. Lawson
The Atlanta United FC squad wrapped up their pre-season a few days ago in a nil draw against Charleston. What takeaways, if any, are there?
Though different, the pre-season serves a number of functions for fans, regardless of sport. Some of the knowledge gained is of a micro nature. For example, a specific position player excels in competition. Other info gathered is more big picture. Like, the team went undefeated. What does that mean? Will that translate to the regular season? The Atlanta Braves have just begun theirs. Folks are looking to the young players. The future. When the Atlanta Falcons start theirs, most will be paying attention to injuries and depth charts. Atlanta United FC just finished theirs. What, if any, are the takeaways?
First, the record. Yes, the club went winless. No, there isn’t any reason to worry. Again, regardless of sport, there are plenty of examples of teams going winless or undefeated in the pre-season only to see that fail to mean anything in the regular season.
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In addition, United had a number of dudes play internationally. That doesn’t happen unless the roster is actually what it looked like last year, and not some wonderful mirage or one-off in a grand opening year. These dudes can ball, are in demand, and therefore have to gel again.
Now, that may be worrisome for the first few games, but it doesn’t portend ill things for the season.
But that probably gets us to the main takeaway. This team looks ready to fly again with Almiron and Martinez. Once Villalba and Parkhurst get settled in, they’ll be contributors again. And the additions of Barco and Nagbe only add to the intrigue and excitement stirring.
That’s not hyperbole. Both intrigue and excitement lead ATL UTD fans into this 2nd season. The intrigue of a franchise that was so successful in its first season that many still disbelieve. What Atlanta United FC did last year was special. That doesn’t happen often in our great City of Atlanta.
The excitement of reality settling in that it looks like it wasn’t a one time thing. But, rather, the beginning of something organic, frenzied, and full on.
Next: Atlanta Braves need to make fans love them again
Atlanta United FC open the 2018 season Saturday, March 3, 2018 against Houston. That actually may be the most exciting thing of all.