Atlanta United’s moments with the MLS Cup

Atlanta United has returned to start training camp in defense of its title. There is still time took look back. Here are a few favorite moments celebrating with the trophy from those who work and play for Atlanta United:

Darren Eales, president

“We went to the celebratory party. It was like the TV show “Atlanta.”

We were in the balcony in the VIP area. Whenever I picked up the Cup, the whole dance floor cheered.

(The parade was a) Wonderful time. Amazing the way the city got behind us.

Endearing memory of turning up to that parade and having that English fear of no one showing up to your party.

I was glad as we went down that first road that people showed up.

As we got to Marietta Street and turned left to see the thousands more people, it blew me away.

That’s where I felt the most emotional. On a Monday morning, freezing cold, for Atlantans to come out shows how amazing the city’s been and the support of the club.

We are just now striving to do better this year and to keep doing better.”

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Eric Remedi, midfielder

“I think the final when the ref blew the final whistle and we were running and jumping on the field, that was a great moment.

When (Michael) Parkhurst lifted the Cup.”

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Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, centerback

“My favorite is with my family and the other was when Parkie lifted the Cup.

Those were my best moments with the celebration.

The photo of my baby in the Cup, it was my wife’s idea. That’s a beautiful photo that I have in my house.”

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Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Brad Guzan, goalkeeper

“For me, the best one is when we first got in the locker room after the celebration on the field.

Someone had poured some sort of beverage in there. To dump everything on your face, on your head, that’s why you play the game. As professional athletes, that’s why you play the game: you play to win games and to win championships.

Everyone in that locker room is competitive.

Everyone on the Hawks, the Braves, the Falcons, every sports locker room, every athlete is competitive and wants to win. You get an opportunity to be in a final and ultimately win a final, it’s the best ever.

It was great. It’s why you play. It’s what it’s about. You savor those moments.”

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Julian Gressel, fullback

“Right after we won, the club booked a little get together. It was there with me and Brad (Guzan) the whole night until the very early morning.

It was mostly in our hands.

I drank (beer) out of it. I drank out of the Eastern Conference championship one as well.”

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Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Josef Martinez, striker

“After three days, I didn’t know we won the Cup.

When Parkie lifted the trophy I was off to the side and in my own world. I think that was probably the best moment, getting to see my teammates lift the trophy.

I’ve never experienced that before; the opportunity to win the cup, that was really special.

I’ve watched replays of the game and always fast forward to see the highlights.”

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Jeff Larentowicz, centerback

“Best thing we did that we hadn’t done when I won it in the past: the trophy sat on the side of the field and everyone got to bring their family out.

Cool because not everyone had their family in the same place at the same time last year.

That was a special feeling.

That was really the last moment when we are all together. That was then. This is now.”