Atlanta United have announced their arrival to MLS with an odd new ritual

After Atlanta lost their first-ever Major League Soccer match 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls in front of over 55,000 fans on Sunday, Argentine midfielder Yamil Asad –who scored the club’s first goal –had to hammer in a golden spike after being named man of the match. There's reasoning behind the oddity: Atlanta is well known for its railways, and traditionally a golden spike is hammered into the ground to finish off a track. This season, players and fans will sign the spike before kick-off, with supporters then marching it to the stadium. Your first ever Man of the Match, @YamilAsad11! #UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/z30tFESEvR — Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 6, 2017 MLS is no stranger to unusual post-match rituals. For Portland Timbers victories, each player celebrates by holding up a piece of log (mascot Joey Lumberjack traditionally chainsaws off a piece each time the Timbers score). Before Atlanta's opening match, local rapper Yung Joc used a larger hammer and spike in a practice that looks set to continue for the season and beyond. Yung Joc hammering the golden spike. pic.twitter.com/NVLGkoVHv8 — Total MLS (@TotalMLS) March 6, 2017 In Other News... on FourFourTwo.com