Alright, let’s break down how I actually compared LA Galaxy and Atlanta United’s records today. Started by grabbing my laptop and yelling at my coffee machine to make a strong brew – needed fuel for this.
Where I looked first
Opened three browser tabs like always: one for MLS official stats page, one for ESPN, and one for that football database site everyone uses but I keep forgetting to bookmark. Scrolled through their messy tables feeling like a detective squinting at tiny numbers.
Biggest headache?
The dang win-loss columns. Galaxy have been playing since dinosaurs roamed (1996), while Atlanta just popped up in 2017. Compared their first five seasons to be fair.
- Grabbed Galaxy’s 2001-2005 stats
- Put Atlanta’s 2017-2021 right next to it
- Counted wins on fingers like a kindergartener because numbers started swimming
What surprised me
Galaxy straight up dominated early years – like 15+ wins every season in that stretch. Atlanta shocked me though. For a new team? Pulled 12-15 wins yearly right out the gate. Their 2018 season slapped hard with 21 wins!
Stumbled when comparing trophies. Galaxy’s cabinet’s overflowing – 5 MLS Cups staring at me like “try beating this”. Atlanta just got one shiny cup in 2018, though they reached finals another time too.
My totally non-scientific verdict
Depends what “stronger” means! If we’re talking bones-deep history and trophies? Galaxy wins by miles. But Atlanta’s record for a baby team? Scary impressive. Made a quick table:
- First 5-year wins: Galaxy 73, Atlanta 65
- MLS Cups: Galaxy 5, Atlanta 1
- Consistency: Galaxy 👍👍, Atlanta 👍 (but crazy fast start)
Ended up down a rabbit hole watching 2018 highlights instead of working. Worth it though.
