When Atlanta United FC scored five minutes into the match, Greg Garza was on the sidelines, missed the goal and said he was probably waving to fans.
That response suggests two things. One, the goal came early. Two, Garza is still beloved in Atlanta.
Sunday night, Garza fittingly made his FC Cincinnati debut in the stadium that was once his home and became the first FCC player to face his former club in the 1-1 draw against the current MLS Cup champions.
With the Orange and Blue trailing in the 71st minute, Garza substituted Alvas Powell. All of the fans inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Cincinnati and Atlanta fans alike — provided a standing ovation and raucous cheer.
That any player can generate so much respect from fans shows their quality. That it came from both teams reiterates how treasured Garza was for the Five Stripes and will be in Cincinnati.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better,” Garza said. “This is probably one of my favorite stadiums to play in as a professional. To be able to win a championship here and to get that reception being on an opposing team, I’ve never been a part of something like that. Breathtaking, something I’ll always remember.”
The left back played two seasons with Atlanta, logging 37 regular-season appearances. He scored three goals, provided eight assists and played 89 minutes in the MLS Cup final against Portland.
While tonight was his first appearance for FC Cincinnati after an injury-filled preseason, Garza looks to be the club’s first-choice left back.
His impact came instantly.
Replacing Powell, Garza became the left back in a 4-4-2. Matheiu Deplagne, who was playing out of position on the left to start the game, returned to a more familiar right back role. As a result, Cincinnati had defensive and attacking width that applied pressure on Atlanta and its one-goal lead.
Garza was one of three subs, in addition to Darren Mattocks and Kenny Saief.
“Give credit to the subs that came in, Darren, Kenny myself,” Garza said. “We got more into their half than we did the whole entire game. It was good to really step it up.
“To be honest, I thought we really could’ve changed the game if we had more time. It’s tough to see my old teammates going through a tough time right now as a team. At the same time, a really, really valued point we have at this new club.”
The defender undoubtedly played a crucial role in FC Cincinnati looking more comfortable than against Seattle Sounders FC last weekend. Whereas Cincinnati lacked cohesion then, the club responded by asking questions of the reigning MLS Cup champions. Eventually, the visitors equalized in the 86th minute.
That growth in a short timeframe is exciting and provides hope.
After two road matches to open the 2019 regular season, the Orange and Blue host the Portland Timbers next Sunday after Nippert Stadium. For Garza, it’s another opportunity to play against a Timbers team he beat in the 2018 MLS Cup.
His role could increase that match. Ahead of the Atlanta one, Head Coach Alan Koch said Garza could only play a maximum of 30 minutes. His first full training session was earlier this week. That he played Sunday and helped rejuvenate FC Cincinnati while receiving gratitude from Atlanta supporters was special.
“(I was) speechless,” he said of his ovation. “The reception tonight was something I never could’ve dreamed of. I didn’t think it was going to be that big.”
Koch added his perspective.
“You could hear their fans,” he said. “They showed him how much they valued him the last two years and you could see how much we’ll value him moving forward. I’m excited to see him and our entire group at Nippert next week.”
