After training on Tuesday afternoon, Steven Alzate and Juan Berrocal took turns talking to the media. Both players arrived in Atlanta for the first time last season, and this year will be the first time they get to start a season from scratch. Neither seemed to worry about having to start that seas on on the road, though. “Naturally, people think that when you play at home, there’s an advantage because of the fans. At the end of the day, it’s a game, it’s 11 versus 11, whether you’re at home or away,” Atlanta United midfielder Steven Alzate said after training on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice Asked if there was any kind of advantage to playing away from home to begin the 2026 campaign, Alzate wondered why that would be the case. “People may see it that way, but I don’t see it that way. Naturally, people think that when you play at home, there’s an advantage because of the fans. At the end of the day, it’s a game, it’s 11 versus 11 whether you’re at home or away,” Alzate said of the season opener in Cincinnati.  Alzate did acknowledge that the first game of the season is crucial (his words) and that he knows Cincinnati is a good team. “We know that they are a good side, but we’re going into that game believing that we can win.”  The Five Stripes will start the season in Cincinnati, one of the toughest places to play on the road in MLS. That game will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21 (4:45 p.m.). The following Saturday, Atlanta United will make its first West Coast trip, playing at San Jose (7:30 p.m.).  Former Inter Miami winger Fafa Picault (above, center) can help set the season off on a good note. The native New Yorker and Haitian National Team member was at training on Tuesday after signing with Atlanta United earlier this week. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice Berrecol’s energy was a bit different when explaining how he felt about playing a game that counts on Saturday. “I am very excited to start the season,” said the defender. “Last year, I arrived here when there were 10 games or less. This year is very important for me because there is a new challenge in my career.”  A back line that includes Berrecol and a healthy Stian Gregersen and Matt Edwards could be one of the best in Major League Soccer.  “We wish to start the league better than last year, and we are going to try to get a few points in Cincinnati,” Berrecol said. Former Inter Miami winger Fafa Picault can help set the season off on a good note. The native New Yorker and Haitian National Team member was at training on Tuesday after signing with Atlanta United earlier this week.  March Madness:  The month of March will be more favorable to manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino and the squad, as all three of their matches will be at home. Atlanta United is scheduled to host Real Salt Lake on Saturday, March 7 (7:30 p.m.), Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 14 (3:15 p.m.), and D.C. United on Saturday, March 21 (7:30 p.m.). United on Saturday, March (7:30 p.m.).  The post Five Stripes ready to get season started appeared first on The Atlanta Voice. ...read more read less