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ATL UTD 2 Super Fan

Bradley Hartloge

By Atlanta United FC

March 16^th, 2020

Less than 25 miles north of Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands the home of our ATL UTD 2 in Kennesaw, Georgia. Fans travel to The Proving Ground throughout the season to see young talent from Atlanta United’s Academy, ATL UTD 2 and even first team players rehabbing from injuries shine on the pitch. Fans show up and some even make them scarves and flags to show their appreciation for the fans.

One special fan who’s been committed to the 2s since 2018 is Bradley Hartloge. Hartloge shows up to every match and even travels to cheer on the squad.

“Rain or shine,” Hartloge said with a smile. “I feel like if we didn’t show up we let them down. I feel like I let the team down.”

Hartloge’s love for the squad started by a group of his friends from the first team.

“I was in love with the first team so much, and they finally got me out to the last five games of the inaugural season for ATL UTD 2,” Hartloge expressed. “I went to those last five home games and fell in love.”

Now, he’s a proud season ticket holder and doesn’t miss matches. Through Atlanta United and ATL UTD 2, he’s made new friends for life especially the ones he attends both teams’ matches with during the season. One of his fellow 17s has even become like an aunt to him, Kathi Stearns. The two of them make flags for players with their home country and ATL UTD 2 logo on it.

“I say she’s my aunt because of how close we’ve come because of ATL UTD 2,” Hartloge said with a smile. “I met her in the first season of ATL UTD 2. She just says I’m her nephew, and I say she’s my aunt. I love her. She is family.”

Stearns and Hartloge sit in the middle of the stadium with their scarves and flags screaming rowdy and proud the entire 90 minutes of the match. After the final whistle blows, Hartloge loves to interact and talk with his squad.

“I love the feeling of being here,” Hartloge expressed. “I love how the players will literally stop and talk to all the fans after the game before going into the locker room. I love the after game experience. I think that’s why I love this stadium a lot.”

“We show up day in and day out in those yellow seats every game,” Hartloge said with passion. “I feel like if we didn’t come what’s the point. This is entertainment. They are here for us. We are there for them.”

Mostly all the players know Hartloge, if they see him at an ATL UTD match they say hello or respond to him on social media as he engages with their posts often.

“Anytime, I’ve reached out to any A2 player, they’ve been humble enough to reach back out and thank me for being an awesome fan,” Hartloge said with love. “I do it to let them know how much I appreciate them. It doesn’t matter the outcome of the game, they all always come and talk to the fans. I love the feeling of being here.”

One of his favorite stories is with Jon Gallagher, who currently is on loan to Aberdeen. After a season of asking for his kit, Gallagher promised him he’d give him his kit at their last match. Last match of the season, without hesitation he gave it to him and signed it right there, but there was one problem with it.

“The signature didn’t show up because of the sweat,” Hartloge said. “You couldn’t see it. He met me in the crowd of a first team game to re-sign the kit. That memory with Jon Gallagher was my favorite A2 memory.”

Besides Gallagher, Hartloge has selfies with all the players after meeting them post ATL UTD 2 matches along with meeting coaches as well. Hartloge has attended Fantasy Camp the last couple of years where he met former ATL UTD 2 assistant coach and now assistant ATL UTD coach, Rob Valentino along with ATL UTD 2 head coach Stephen Glass. Valentino has been there the last few years and Hartloge has been on his squad for Fantasy Camp scrimmages.

“Coach Rob is awesome,” Hartloge explained. “He took it seriously. Obviously, he knew there were a bunch of 30, 40, 50 year olds out there trying to play soccer and make a good memory. Coach Rob took it seriously enough where he helped us and made us learn something while still being nice and humble.”

And, Glassy made Fantasy Camp extra special for him.

“Glassy made the fantasy camp an amazing experience. He was awesome,” Hartloge said with a huge smile. “He talked to us about everything playing at Newcastle, his coaching experiences with players, how he can speak French which I didn’t even know.”

Now, Hartloge is ready for matches to start and continue the 2020 season. He’s ready to be rowdy and proud for ATL UTD 2 and be back at The Proving Ground and show his appreciation for the squad.

“First and foremost, I’m looking for a freaking start. I’ve been waiting and waiting for it to start. It feels like forever.” Hartloge said. “I just love the feeling of being here.”

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