Atlanta United have set a post-Covid record for attendance after thousands of fans watched their home game with Montreal Impact at the weekend. Gabriel Heinze and his players ensured that they gave their fans something to cheer after the dramatic 1-0 win over their opponents.

The top deck of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was the only part of the arena closed for the MLS (Major League Soccer) game. 40,116 fans watched as the header from Marcelino Moreno in added time gave hosts Atlanta United the three points. Jake Mulraney also played his part in the goal with the assist for Moreno to score.

Gabriel Heinze was named the Atlanta United manager at the end of last year and he has been tasked to make team competitive at the top end of the MLS. The Atlanta United fans are keen for the glory days to return to the club. On the evidence of the opening weeks of the new MLS season, they might need to be a little patient with Gabriel Heinze and his players. For instance, the fans had to wait patiently until Atlanta United made the breakthrough against Montreal Impact at the weekend. Their team dominated possession for large periods but had little to show for it in the form of shots on target. Atlanta United had just one shot on target until the late goal from Moreno.

After the win over Montreal Impact on Saturday evening, Gabriel Heinze told reporters in his post-match press conference that it’s beautiful to see a lot of people in the stadium and that it’s been a long time (over a year) without seeing a lot of fans during matches. According to him, football is for the fans.

Atlanta United have been able to recover from their CONCACAF Champions League exit at the hands of Philadelphia Union via a 4-1 aggregate loss. Gabriel Heinze and his players are up to fourth on the Eastern Conference standings with eight points and they are just three points off leaders New England Revolution who have played a game more than them.