For Atlanta United, being the best in Major League Soccer was always the expectation. While other teams may hope to be among the elite in the league, with Arthur Blank’s investment, a staggering new stadium, and a soccer culture in the city like few others in America, there was a different level of demand in Atlanta.
Thankfully, this insatiable desire has been satisfied. A very promising first season in MLS, an MLS Cup in their second year, and then a Campeones Cup and U.S. Open Cup in their third. And so, while the Five Stripes ultimately fell short in the playoffs as they looked to defend their MLS Cup, they still enjoyed a successful 2019.