The perceived notion of haves and have-nots in Major League Soccer has been quashed quickly by a club that has changed the complexion of the league in just two short seasons. So when Atlanta United rocked Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the 2018 season, all the way to an MLS Cup final win that seemed almost pre-determined, it officially put the rest of the league on notice.
Not that the other franchises had no idea of what was happening. It just became, you know, real. MLS is Atlanta’s league at the moment, featuring the best game-day atmosphere, most raucous and largest crowds, financial backing from an ambitious NFL owner who spares no expense, and a roster basically built to perfection for a recent expansion club.