Starting with only 10 teams in its 1996 season, Major League Soccer (MLS) has evolved into wildly popular soccer league, delighting fans and surprising pundits who felt that professional soccer could not flourish in America.

The addition of Atlanta United FC is proof that American soccer is developing a reputation around the globe as a quality league. Atlanta United played its first game on March 5 against the New York Red Bulls, dropping the match 1 goal to 2.  

        Soccer is the most popular sport around the globe but its failed to gain much traction in the United States, a country that historically has only had time for football – the American variety – along with baseball and basketball.  Atlanta United’s success during its inaugural season has given hope that the sport has gained a significant foothold even in the SEC-football crazy South. Among those calling Atlanta United “their” team are North Atlanta students. “It’s exciting that we are embracing something that is considered a non-traditional American sport,” said junior Andrew Friedman.

MLS has become a very popular league over the recent years, attracting not only some of the world’s best players such as Kaka, David Villa, or Andreas Pirlo. The league also has attracted some of the world’s best managers including Atlanta United’s coach Tata Martino, who was a recent head coach for FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most successful and prominent soccer franchises.  

        A series of sell-out crowds in Bobby Dodd Stadium is evidence that soccer is surging in popularity. Junior Nathan Kitts has gone to four games this season and he said the atmosphere at the stadium has been electric. “Atlanta United unites all of Georgia because it gives us something to get behind and support. The atmosphere at our stadium is second to none,” Kitts said.

        As of August 14, Atlanta United stands in 8th place qualifying for the MLS playoffs with a record of 10 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses. For an expansion team, the team has had a lot of success with players like Yamil Asad leading the league with assists. The team’s leading scorer, Josef Martinez has notched 11 goals so far and has become a fan favorite.  

Unite and Conquer. It’s the theme of Atlanta United’s inaugural season. And if the team’s success continues, perhaps it will mean that soccer as a sport will finally unite and conquer American’s hearts.