The cities of Atlanta and Charlotte are separated by less than 250 miles. It’s a straight shot down Interstate 85. The buildup to this newfound Southern derby saw both the social media teams of Atlanta United and Charlotte FC taking jabs at each other.
Bragging rights were at stake, but Atlanta United held firm that they were the true kings of the South. Golden paper crowns were handed out as fans entered Atlanta United’s state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The home supporters wore them proudly, but after Charlotte’s 3-2 win, which was Atlanta’s fifth consecutive loss at home, a procession of men, women and children exited the stadium feeling more like court jesters than Southern royalty.
The next day, head coach Gonzalo Pineda was relieved of his duties. Another loss at home had sunk Atlanta United toward a new low.
Once a fortress for the club and an intimidating ground for visiting MLS teams, Atlanta United’s home stadium has lost its luster as Atlanta United has become a middle-of-the road team. Six years after winning an MLS Cup and revolutionizing the league, Atlanta United is now accustomed to hitting rock bottom. Once the shining example of MLS’ aggressive expansion model, the club has become synonymous with underachieving.
To fire…
