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Elon Men's Soccer at Atlanta United FC

Men's Soccer

Men's Soccer Enjoys Visit to Atlanta for Spring Exhibition Opener

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men's soccer team opened its spring exhibition schedule last Saturday, March 10, at Atlanta United 2 of the United Soccer League (USL) and an affiliate of Atlanta United FC of the MLS. The trip also included enjoyable team activities for the Phoenix including a tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and along with being a part of a MLS record-breaking crowd that watched Atlanta United FC take on DC United last Sunday, March 11.
 
"Firstly, we would like to say thank you to the Atlanta United FC organization, owner Arthur Blank and his family for a fantastic weekend," said Elon head coach Marc Reeves. "Our group truly appreciates the many very special opportunities and experiences we had over the weekend and we know how fortunate we are. To spend extended time together, doing many fun things certainly was rewarding and we believe helps us continue to build unity and commitment to the group goals and program philosophies."
 
The Phoenix took part in a tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday morning. The facility, opened in 2017, is the home for both Atlanta United FC and the Atlanta Falcons and also hosts other major sports and entertainment events, including the SEC Football Championship, the 2018 MLS All-Star Game, Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and the NCAA Men's Final Four in 2020. The team also had a behind the scenes look while visiting the Georgia Aquarium as well.
 
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Elon men's soccer outside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United FC and the Atlanta Falcons.

"Saturday morning's tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and a behind the scenes look at the Georgia Aquarium were two incredible experiences," added Reeves. " The stadium design, facilities and efficiency is of the highest level and all centered around player performance, fan experience while being environment conscious. The aquarium tour was an awesome experience to see behind the scenes the teamwork and organization it takes to put the daily face of the largest aquarium in the U.S. and care for 100,000-plus animals. The staff and guides at both places were incredible and we thank them."
 
After the tours, the team prepared for its first exhibition friendly of the spring versus Atlanta United FC 2, the reserve team of Atlanta United FC. The match took place at the Atlanta United FC training facility, the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. The Phoenix battled hard in its first competitive match since the end of the fall season, but fell to ATL 2, 1-0.
 
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The Phoenix going through pregame at Atlanta United FC's training facility before its spring exhibition match against the reserve team, Atlanta United FC 2 of the United Soccer League.

"I was pleased that our players maximized the competitive opportunity," said Reeves. " I think we have had a solid start to the spring and had a good week of training prior. I believe our players prepared and performed well for what was an exciting opportunity to play Atlanta's new USL team at their incredible training facility. We were pleased with the way we played in terms of our organization, possession of the ball, competitive desire and believe we created some great scoring chances, but we were unfortunate to lose 1-0. Truly value and thankful for the experience and we wish Coach (Scott) Donnelly, his staff and players the very best for the season."
 
The team then closed out the weekend by taking in an Atlanta United FC match on Sunday, March 11, versus DC United. The group took a walk on the home pitch prior to the match and was a part of the 72,035 people in attendance for the game – a new MLS single-match high and the fourth-biggest soccer in world soccer this past weekend. The coaches and the team members were able to enjoy the 3-1 victory by Atlanta United FC while also receiving a visit from actor and comedian – and Atlanta native – Chris Tucker.
 
The team with actor/comedian Chris Tucker
The team with actor and comedian Chris Tucker.

"Our group then had a very special day at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the home opener game, Atlanta United versus DC United," said Reeves. "The electric atmosphere of 72,000 fans and us being fortunate to be close to the action made it truly memorable for our payers. The whole experience I believe was not only motivating and inspirational to commit to working hard to realize your own personal goals but also thankful to be part of a group that gets these sort of opportunities. We say thank you again Atlanta United."
 
-- ELON --
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