Herriman • Atlanta United made history last season, winning the Major League Soccer title in just its second year as a franchise. Josef Martinez broke the single-season goals record and was named the MVP of the regular season, All-Star Game and MLS Cup. Gerardo "Tata" Martino won Coach of the Year.
But Martino left to coach the Mexican national team, paving the way for Frank de Boer. Star playmaker Miguel Almiron was sold to Newcastle United and was replaced by star Argentinian midfielder Pity Martinez. And Atlanta’s success meant it would effectively start its season in February by qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions League.