On Wednesday, September 27th, Atlanta United honored Denzel Murillo as part of the team’s Unite and Conquer Cancer campaign. The campaign provides a platform to recognize the great work Atlanta’s hospitals, organizations, and nonprofits are doing to make strides in pediatric cancer research while providing excellent care to children that are suffering from cancer or terminal illnesses.
Denzel is 16 years old and went to Walt Disney World with Bert’s Big Adventure in 2006. At Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia Union, Denzel was invited on the field to pass the first kick to Team Captain, Michael Parkhurst. The family was also invited onto the field post-game for a meet and greet with the goalie, Brad Guzan.
It’s been a season of firsts for Atlanta United. The first match. The first goal. The first (of many) home sellouts. But Wednesday was perhaps more special than them all as Atlanta United made history as the third expansion team ever to make the playoffs with a dominant 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Union.
It was an unforgettable night for the expansion side, but the players don’t have much time to celebrate, with yet another quick turnaround ahead. The team will look to continue their climb up the Eastern Conference Standings to improve their playoff seed as they travel to Massachusetts to face the Revolution on Saturday. The team will be back in Atlanta on Tuesday as they face Minnesota United at the fortress that is Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Tickets are still available for that one, make sure you’ve reserved your spot here. Last but not least, thank you to our amazing photographers, Amanda at Dash and Sarah at Sarah Esther Photography Studios!
