Atlanta United FC has quickly built a strong reputation in Major League Soccer. Known for passionate fans and exciting play, Atlanta United FC soccer has become a symbol of Atlanta’s sports pride. The Atlanta United FC history includes record-breaking crowds, major titles, and a deep commitment to growing soccer across the city and nation.
Established
2014
City
Atlanta
League History
2017 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2017 – Present / Atlanta United FC
Nickname
Atlanta United FC – As one of the most successful and popular teams in Major League Soccer, Atlanta United FC history has a unique nickname that many fans are curious about. The team's official nickname is “The Five Stripes,” which comes from the five stripes on their logo and home jersey.
Atlanta United FC Origin
When Atlanta United was first created in 2014, they had to develop an identity for themselves as a club. They wanted something to represent their city and soccer culture and be memorable to fans everywhere. After much consideration by ownership and staff members alike, it was decided that the team should take its inspiration from Georgia’s state flag—specifically its five red-and-white stripes design—for its logo mark. This idea evolved into what we now know today: The Five Stripes!
The colors chosen for this emblem were taken directly from Georgia's state flag; red symbolizes hardiness & valor, while white stands for purity & innocence - two values seen throughout Atlanta United FC games each season! These colors also pay homage to other sports teams based out of Georgia, such as MLB’s Braves or NFL Falcons, who have similar color schemes associated with them, making this connection even more meaningful!
Atlanta United FC has become one of MLS' most powerful success stories since joining in 2017, thanks primarily due to their passionate fanbase who proudly wear “the 5 stripes" across various merchandise items like jerseys or hats during matches at Mercedes Benz Stadium every week - proving just how powerful a simple yet effective brand identity can make all difference when it comes down creating lasting impressions amongst supporters around the world!
Championship
MLS Cups 1
2018
Stadium
2017 – Present / Mercedes-Benz Stadium
2017 / Bobby Dodd Stadium (first 9 games)
Owner
2014 - Present / Arthur Blank
- 2017
- 2018
- 2018
- 2019
- 2019
- 2021
-
Atlanta United FC Team Formation
Atlanta’s first regular-season MLS game was played on March 5, 2017, at Bobby Dodd Stadium with 55,297 in attendance. Yamil Asad scored the first goal in team history in a 2–1 loss to New York Red Bulls. A week later, the team registered its first win with a 6–1 away defeat of fellow expansion team Minnesota United FC. On March ... -
2018 MLS Champs
MLS Cup 2018 was the 23rd edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), which took place on December 8, 2018. It was the final match of the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs and was contested by Atlanta United FC and the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta, in their second MLS season, ... -
Josef Martínez wins the MLS MVP award
In 2018: Josef Martínez wins the MLS MVP award after scoring a record-breaking 31 goals in the regular season. Martino leaves the club after the season to coach the Mexico national team -
Atlanta United FC wins the U.S. Open Cup
In 2019: The Atlanta United FC wins the U.S. Open Cup under new head coach Frank de Boer. Atlanta beat Minnesota 2-1 at home to win the 2019 US Open Cup. An own-goal put Atlanta up in the 10th minute with Pity Martinez scoring in the 16th. Robin Lod scored for Minnesota in the 47th. Atlanta went a man down ... -
Atlanta United makes history over Club América with Campeones Cup win
In 2019: The Atlanta United FC also won the Campeones Cup. Another season another trophy raise at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Facing one of the giants of North American soccer in Club América, Atlanta United came out on top in a riveting 3-2 win in front of a rowdy Atlanta crowd. -
Atlanta’s New Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda
In 2021: The Atlanta United FC signed former Argentina national team captain Gonzalo Pineda as its permanent head coach in August.
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Atlanta United FC History
Atlanta United FC is a professional soccer club based in Atlanta, Georgia, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS). Founded in 2014 and officially joining MLS in 2017, the club quickly established itself as one of the strongest and most popular teams in the league. Known for its passionate fanbase and thrilling style of play, Atlanta United FC soccer has reshaped the soccer culture in the American South.
From their first season, Atlanta United FC made a statement. Under coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, they reached the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2017, becoming one of the few expansion teams to do so in their inaugural year. Their debut season brought record-breaking crowds to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and set new standards for MLS history attendance and atmosphere.
The 2018 season marked a turning point in Atlanta United FC history. The team won the MLS Cup by defeating the Portland Timbers 2–0 at home, making them one of the fastest expansion teams ever to capture a league title. This victory earned them a place among the top success stories in MLS teams history.
In 2019, Atlanta United FC soccer continued its winning tradition by capturing the U.S. Open Cup and the Campeones Cup. These achievements solidified the club’s status as a powerhouse within Major League Soccer, adding multiple trophies to their growing collection and further cementing their reputation in Atlanta United FC history.
United FC Achievements
The following years showcased resilience and continued ambition. Despite challenges during the 2020 season, the team maintained its competitive edge and strong fan support. By consistently reaching playoffs and breaking attendance records, Atlanta United FC became a model of success for other soccer MLS teams across the country.
Among the club’s greatest achievements are the 2018 MLS Cup, 2019 U.S. Open Cup, and Campeones Cup titles. The team has also developed top talents and attracted global stars, contributing significantly to the growth of Atlanta United FC soccer and American soccer as a whole.
Today, Atlanta United FC history continues to inspire fans with its mix of passion, success, and community pride. The club’s remarkable rise from expansion team to champion has left a lasting mark on MLS teams history, proving that Atlanta has become one of the true homes of soccer excellence in the United States.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history