Garza: Bobby Dodd crowds helped cope with Seattle’s atmosphere

NOTE: All quotes used in this post are from an official quote sheet provided by Atlanta United.

During Atlanta United’s 0-0 draw with the defending MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders, Greg Garza was once again one of the standout performers for the Five Stripes. After making back-to-back MLS Team of the Weeks before the international break, the left back picked up right where he left off against Seattle.

When playing away matches in Cascadia, in front of a raucous Rave Green crowd it can be intimidating, but Garza told the media at CenturyLink Field after the match that consistently playing in front of huge crowds at home in Atlanta helped the team cope.

“Yeah, I think that coping with the atmosphere, we actually have that home as well, so you know 55,000 the first game, 45,000 the last home game and then you have probably about the same numbers here.”

“I think that every player on our team is used to that atmosphere at Bobby Dodd in Atlanta and that probably helps us get through tough games like this. Seattle is probably one of the most exciting places in the MLS to play. So I think for us to really battle though that 90 minutes plus was really fun for us and really exciting for us to go home with a point.”

Having amazing crowds at home is obviously great for publicity and TV, but it’s also very helpful for the players who might not be used to playing in front of so many people. Seattle have one of the few atmospheres that can rival Bobby Dodd Stadium. It can be intimidating. But, the Atlanta supporters preparing them for what to expect really came in clutch on Friday night.