At long last, Atlanta United finally kick off the Gabriel Heinze era with a CONCACAF Champions League tie against Costa Rican giants, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
One of the traditional powerhouses of their home nation, alongside Saprissa and Herediano, Alajuelense currently sit top of the Liga de Fútbol de Primera División, unbeaten after 16 games with a league-high 31 goals scored, and a league-low nine conceded.
Los Leones are sure to provide a stern early test of Atlanta’s mettle under Heinze. One man who could play a bigger role than most is newly-arrived central midfielder, Santiago Sosa.