By Jack Little
Carmical Sports Media
Atlanta United and striker Georgios Giakoumakis have been dominant in Mercedes-Benz Stadium early this season. Giakoumakis notched his fifth home goal of the season in his third home appearance while Atlanta United made it three wins from three games in the Benz with a 3-0 victory over Chicago Fire.
Atlanta United is unbeaten in its last seven matches at home, with its last loss coming in August of 2023. Atlanta defender Noah Cobb believes that the fans, which normally amount to around 55,000 and the 14th largest home attendance in the world per transfermarkt.com, have a lot to do with it.
“The fans do a really good job of making the opponents feel like they can’t breathe,” said Cobb. “When we’re attacking, we hear them getting louder and louder and louder.”
Giakoumakis’ 45th-minute goal fired Atlanta United ahead just before halftime and drew a loud roar from the 42,525 United fans in the crowd. Atlanta controlled over 50% of the possession and had a substantial advantage in shots taken but didn’t have anything to show for it before Giakoumakis found the back of Chicago’s net.
“The timing of that goal is a big thing,” said Atlanta United assistant coach Rob Valentino. “He scores the goal and the game looks a little bit different for [Atlanta’s players] in terms of their mentality.”
Valentino said that the game opened up a little bit in the second half, despite a start that he felt was a “little bit sluggish.” He said there was another shift following the introduction of Jamal Thiaré and his first goal coming seconds later.
“Goals change games,” said Valentino. “I think having Jamal come on ended up changing the game.”
Thiaré, celebrating his 31st birthday today, scored twice for United in the second half. The first was with his first touch of the match in the 64th minute mere seconds after entering the game for Giakoumakis. His second came in the 95th minute.
Atlanta United (3-0-2) rises to 6th in the Eastern Conference. It will begin its April slate at New York City FC (1-1-4) next Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Chicago Fire (1-2-3) remains 12th in the Eastern Conference. It will attempt to return to winning ways with Houston Dynamo (3-1-1) visiting Soldier Field at 8:30 p.m. on the same day.