Football News: Everton Match In Atlanta

I had the great privilege to attend the match in Atlanta. Section 118 was behind the goal for our first half, and one of the sections that held the Everton faithful.

My son and I arrived early, and watched the Bournemouth and West Ham United players warm up. There were a few Bournemouth fans, and a good showing of Hammers. The stadium was perhaps a third full at the start of the match. It was a good match, clearly two teams preparing for then regular season.

We were at the end where the Everton team warm up. I have been a supporter for 13 years, having watched Everton beat Manchester United in 2012. This was my first opportunity, living in the States, to see them in person. Other than a trip to the Limerick Junction Pub a couple of years ago to see a match, this was my first opportunity to cheer amongst a cadre of fellow Everton supporters.

This was not a polite preseason fixture. The intensity of Everton and Manchester was off the scales. Now, in the USA, Manchester United is a well known brand name, At Mercedes-Benz, the blues shirts were outnumbered by red eight to one.

The Manchester fans cheered and had a good time. There were no chants, no fancy banners, and very little passion. I doubt most of them had any inkling of who the Red Devil players were.

The Everton supporters, being outnumbered were astounding. I have been going to athletic events for my chosen professional and collegiate teams for nearly five decades, and I have never experienced the energy and enthusiasm of supporters that I was emerged amongst that evening. The cheers, the chants, the banners, and the banter was extraordinary.

When the team came over to acknowledge us after the final whistle, I can truly say that put a tear in my eye. I am proud of our club, the players, the manager, and the supporters.

Thank you Everton, thank you for coming to Atlanta, and I can say that those of you in Liverpool are fortunate to have this team and this tradition, and the opportunity to see matches more than I am able to (though a field trip across the Pond is likely in the works). My son, age 15, is a devoted fan and perhaps more knowledgeable about the players and tactics and sport of football. Everton has truly enhanced our lives and we are grateful

Thanks to you all. Blues770, a Toffee forever.

Written by Blues770 August 05 2025 12:24:16