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ONE LAST TIME

A minute-by-minute walkthrough of Darren Eales's final match in Atlanta

By Atlanta United FC

August 9^th, 2022

12:00 a.m.

Atlanta United President Darren Eales is asleep -- or so he says. But as the clock strikes midnight on August 6, he turns 50 years old. He rolls over and continues dreaming about singing karaoke with The Queen of England.

11:35 a.m.

Eales arrives to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in casual gear for his last match with the Five Stripes. He takes a leisurely stroll from South Lot to the pitch. Before him are empty stands and the quiet buzzing of employees setting up the field boards, the beeping of radios, and the anticipation for matchday between Atlanta United and Seattle Sounders.

12:03 p.m.

Eales takes the short walk to Lot 17 to join the supporters at the tailgate. It's warm and bright outside as the 17s prepare for a Saturday kickoff.

12:09 p.m.

Just after noon, Eales is out in Lot 17 with the Supporters. A matchday tradition, he joins the 17s for some rowdy and proud tailgating. This tailgate, though, is different. It doubles as a birthday party for Eales. The supporters arrive prepared with balloons, streamers and commemorative T-shirts to celebrate Eales's special day. They even bring a sash and crown to adorn Eales with.

12:18 p.m.

While tailgating, the supporters surprise Eales with a club tradition he was not expecting to participate in: a cake smash of his own. And the supporters don't miss.

12:30 p.m.

The 17s also take the time to present Eales with another birthday gift: a Thank You video.

1:30 p.m.

The Five Stripes arrive at the Front Porch and greet the 17s. Eales patiently waits for the team to make their way from the Front Porch through a freight elevator down to the field level. There, he greets every player, coach, and staff member with a handshake and a hug. He wishes the team good luck, just like he does every match.

2:40 p.m.

The team is deep into warm-ups, crossing balls and taking shots on goal. But Eales is surprised with a Happy Birthday banner on the capo stand. His twins and wife smile and look on.

2:59 p.m.

Eales dons his custom Forest Kit, complete with 'McTrainface' on the back to reference the "official" club mascot that Eales introduced on April 1. From one of the suites, he then ascends the ladder to the Capo Stand. The crowd greets their club president with booming applause. Eales joins the capo leaders on the stand to serve as the Golden Spike Hitter for the match. After hitting the spike, he takes some selfies with supporters. Then, he joins his family and looks out onto the pitch.

3:08 p.m.

The match kicks off and Eales makes his way to his seat. He watches the rest of the match alongside his family and team owner Arthur Blank.

5:01 p.m.

The match is even 1-1 heading into second-half stoppage time. It's looking like Atlanta United might close it out with a draw. But then, Atlanta United fullback Andrew Gutman delivers a screamer and scores the match-winning goal. Eales thanks Gutman for his birthday present on Twitter, and Gutman continues the playful exchange.

5:30 p.m.

After the match, Eales moseys through the group of supporters in the Delta Club. He shares some laughs, stops for autographs and takes some selfies.

5:46 p.m.

Eales stands on the pitch with his wife one final time. He looks up to the halo board to see a warm message of appreciation from his club.

9:14 p.m.

After eight years with the club, Eales bids farewell to Atlanta United. As the first president in club history, Eales played a pivotal part in forming from scratch the winning (and fun) identity of Atlanta United.

Although he departs, the club and its supporters appreciate all he's done to bring soccer to the city of Atlanta -- and welcome him and his family back for a visit anytime he'd like.

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