Defender Greg Garza: Atlanta’s support has ‘taken our breath away’

Atlanta United’s Greg Garza makes a move past N.Y. Red Bulls defender Alex Muyl during the first half of their first game in franchise history, March 5. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Atlanta United’s Greg Garza makes a move past N.Y. Red Bulls defender Alex Muyl during the first half of their first game in franchise history, March 5. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)

While pursuing his dream of playing professional soccer, Atlanta United defender Greg Garza lived in several different cities and experienced many passionate fanbases— but he admits there’s something unique about Atlanta.

After moving from his hometown of Grapevine, Texas, Garza bounced around to countries like Brazil, Portugal and Mexico to improve his skills and pursue an MLS career.

After landing in Atlanta, Garza and the rest of his Atlanta United teammates were surprised at the welcome they received in Atlanta.

"It's really been an unexpected atmosphere," Garza said to the Miami Herald. "There are about 15 different cultures on the team. For every single one of us, whether they're German, Paraguayan, Venezuelan, Trinidad and Tobago, Irish, the few Americans on the team, to have almost 65,000 people the first game and the city completely behind us, it's taken our breath away."

Drawing 147,230 fans in three sellout games, Atlanta United  broke an MLS attendance record on April 30 for the most attendance in a season's first three home games.