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So last night Atlanta United held a training session last night... and 2,000+ fans showed up! That many supporters showed up for a training session, which is crazy. We’ll have a neat write-up of the event late this morning. The club also revealed it’s new kits and the new play by play broadcaster for season 2.
Anyway, onto the Dirt...
Carlos Bocanegra Staying with Atlanta
Here’s what Technical Director and Vice President Bocanegra had to say about the support the team received last night:
Another great day at the @ATLUTD training grounds. 2k + fans on hand to check out the team. https://t.co/A2GJMWQP7h
— Carlos Bocanegra (@BocaBoca3) February 16, 2018
Although with Bocanegra we found out yesterday that he was a possible candidate for the USMNT General Manager (GM) role. That was, however, until we found out late last night that he had reportedly withdrawn his name from the running. I’m happy to see his commitment to the team, as he would be have been hard to replace had he moved on.
The New “King Peach” Away Kits are here... Finally
Our city. Our home. Our club.
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) February 16, 2018
King Peach: https://t.co/RndJoWeawN pic.twitter.com/BKYVGTuz7Q
Before kicking off the scrimmage last night, the club revealed their new away kits nicknamed “King Peach”. More on the detailing of the kit can be found here.
Kevin Egan Returns to Atlanta’s Broadcast booth for the 2018 season
He’s back! Egan returns to the broadcast booth for Atlanta and will be doing the play-by-play for all 18 regionally broadcasted games. If you are able to remember back, Egan graciously shared his thoughts and feelings about the team after he left last year (when Alan Green took over).
He already seems to be loving the King Peach kit
Beyond thrilled to be back in the booth with @ATLUTD this season. Such an honor and privilege. This is next level MLS out here at the open training, such a wonderful evening. Hey #ATLUTD nation, this is going to be an incredible year! Let’s go @HeyDanGargan! #UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/KwseO1xH82
— Kevin Egan (@kev_egan) February 16, 2018
Ironically, one his most known calls includes the word peach “It’s an absolute peach, from the Paraguayan!” during Miguel Almiron’s hat-trick against Houston.
Yamil Asad looking to prove last year wasn’t a fluke
Asad talked about, in an interview with Ariel Judas of Futbol MLS, how this season for him is a personal challenge to either match or improve upon his numbers from his season with Atlanta. MLSSoccer has more on Asad’s intentions of coming back to the MLS and his thoughts on the league.
Distraught Lee Nguyen won’t be traded... for now
In a report from MLSSoccer Sam Stejskal, the New England Revolution won’t trade or even listen to offers from their top attacker Lee Nguyen. The Revs seem to believe that keeping a player, who has been open and clear about not wanting to play for their club, is a good idea.
Michy Batshuayi the Unthinkable hero to Dortmund’s season
Batshuayi continued his heroics for Borussia Dortmund by getting a brace in a 3-2 win over Atalanta, which featured a late stoppage time game winner from Batshuayi himself. Dortmund, who has had their struggles this season, brought in Batshuayi from Chelsea to fill in the hole left by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was sold to Arsenal. The loanee from Chelsea is certainly showing his worth and proving goal scoring ability and rates were not a fluke.
BONUS CLIP TIME:
Hi @ATLUTDprospects I need to know who this is stat pic.twitter.com/obEZLbsFdk
— just a lowly blogger (@RobUsry) February 16, 2018
Meet Laurent Kissiedou, a ATLUTD 2 kid with a pretty tasty first touch and some silky moves. Keep an eye on him in Gwinnett this season, assuming he is given some minutes like he was in the training session.