Atlanta United is barely a year and a half old in its match playing existence. Yet they are atop the league and at the forefront of Major League Soccer’s image thanks to a record breaking goal scorer, a rabid fan base, and a beautiful stadium and city atmosphere.
They have one “rival” club in Orlando City. This was highlighted recently as part of the MLS Heineken Rivalry Week. This Rivalry Week is an attempt by MLS at establishing derbies in a still young (only 23-year-old) league. Some of these rivalries stick, such as the Cascadia Cup between Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, or the Hudson River Derby between NYCFC and New York Red Bulls.