Soccer’s popularity in the United States has grown rapidly over the past few years, especially after the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil this summer. This past April, owner of Atlanta Falcons Arthur Blank announced plans to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to the city.
At a joint press conference, Blank and Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced that Atlanta would be the 22nd team to join Major League Soccer (MLS) and would begin play in 2017. Blank will head the ownership group for the franchise, according to MLS’ website. Atlanta hosts three major sports franchises, the Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons.
One person who is excited about the prospect of MLS coming to Atlanta is former Georgia State men’s soccer player Michael Nwiloh who was drafted by MLS franchise Chivas USA in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.
Nwiloh played for Georgia State for four years as a central defender, establishing himself as a rock in the heart of defense for the Panthers.
Nwiloh knows what it’s like to play at the highest level of professional soccer in America and is happy to see that Atlanta will get to experience that soon as well.
“This season was a great learning experience. I got to train with some top professionals and many players with World Cup experience. Experienced players such as [Former USA national defender Carlos] Bocanegra and even [current Mexico national striker Erick] Torres to an extent were helpful and gave me loads of advice on things I can do to make myself a better player,” Nwiloh said.
MLS for Georgia State
Nwiloh believes that an MLS franchise would be good for Georgia State students and all Atlanta residents.
“I’m thrilled. Growing up, I always watched soccer on television but was never able to watch a match in person because there wasn’t a MLS team in the South. I think the team will be great for the kids as well as adults who may be catching onto soccer after the USA’s performance in the World Cup,” Nwiloh said.
It remains to be seen if Georgia State students will embrace the MLS franchise coming to our city in 2017.
“It will definitely give me a reason to follow the MLS,” Georgia State senior Brett Welborn said. “It’s very exciting.”
It will be interesting to see how the franchise engages with local supporters and builds its team in the next couple of years. They might even attract a few familiar faces.
“I’d love to play for the team one day if the opportunity presents itself,” Nwiloh said.
The folding of Chivas
While Nwiloh is optimistic about a new MLS team in Atlanta, his old club on the West Coast recently closed up shop.
Chivas USA and MLS recently announced that the franchise which played in Los Angeles would be closing down all operations effective at the end of the current season, according to ESPN.
Nwiloh is currently preparing to enter the MLS Chivas USA Dispersal Draft which will allow other MLS clubs to pick up players from Chivas USA’s roster and will take place on Nov. 19, according to the MLS .
“Yes, I will be in the Dispersal Draft along with all my old teammates. The goal is to get drafted during that, but if not there is another draft in December as well as some overseas opportunities I may pursue,” Nwiloh said.
