Atlanta United's early MLS success now a distant memory

Atlanta United's Luiz Araújo (19) and Toronto FC's Jayden Nelson (11) go for the ball in the first half of an MLS soccer match on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Bob Andres)

Atlanta United quickly established itself as one of Major League Soccer’s flagship franchises.

That’s why the last three seasons have been such a downer.

United appears to be starting over — though coach Gonzalo Pineda and technical director Carlos Bocanegra attempted to paint a much more optimistic picture Tuesday — after missing the playoffs for the second time in three years.