Atlanta United excited to host All-Star game

Players glad area fans will be rewarded with MLS showcase in 2018.

A few of Atlanta United’s players said Thursday they were excited the MLS All-Star game is expected

to come to the city in 2018.

The league is expected to formally announce Monday the game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United.

“I think that’s great,” said Mark Bloom, an Atlanta United fullback who grew up in Marietta. “I think the city deserves it. Not that we need a push to get more fans, but I think it’s going to make for an incredible environment. Probably pack out the stadium, bring in a good team. It’s exciting.”

Atlanta United sent a delegation to Chicago to observe the staging of this season’s All-Star game at Chicago in Soldier Field in August. Three Atlanta United players, Michael Parkhurst, Greg Garza and Miguel Almiron, were among those who were defeated by Real Madrid in penalty kicks.

“I hope I’ll be in it, wherever it will be,” midfielder Julian Gressel

said.

The All-Star break is more than just a game. Previous weeks have included numerous fan events as well as a game that features the best products of the MLS club’s academies against an academy team from another club. Atlanta United’s Andrew Carleton and Chris Goslin were two players who participated in that game at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.

Atlanta United is averaging 46,271 tickets sold per game and is on pace to break the league’s average attendance record of 44,247 set by Seattle in 2015.

Players deny accusations: “Silly” and “frustrated” were among the words Atlanta United’s players used regarding accusations made by New York Red Bulls manager Jesse Marsch they were told to intentionally kick his players during last week’s 0-0 draw.

“That’s just a silly comment,” fullback Anton Walkes said. “No one would ever be told to do that. You can hurt someone seriously. As competitive as we are, no one has the intent to do anyone damage.”

In addition to saying Atlanta United’s players were kicking his players, Marsch said they were told to do so by manager Gerardo Martino, who denied that accusation, as did technical director Carlos Bocanegra.

“There’s nothing that Tata has ever said in that regard,” Gressel said. “No coach has ever told me to kick another player on another team. Maybe he was getting frustrated because we put more physicality on. Nothing comes from the coaches.”

Atlanta United’s training session Thursday was the first opportunity to interview the players following Sunday’s draw and Marsch’s subsequent accusations.

The Five Stripes will host Toronto on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

MLS hasn’t revealed if anyone involved in Sunday’s game has been reprimanded for their comments or actions.