Just months after helping the Seattle Sounders win the 2016 MLS Cup, Seattle traded Tyrone Mears’ rights to expansion franchise Atlanta United. Mears has started each of Atlanta’s first three matches, including assisting on its inaugural goal, and will return to CenturyLink Field on Friday when Atlanta takes on the Sounders (7 p.m. PT; FS1, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360AM | TICKETS). SoundersFC.com caught up with Mears to talk about his transition and his thoughts on coming back to Seattle. (NOTE: This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.)
SOUNDERSFC.COM: How do you like Atlanta so far?
MEARS: I’ve been surprised actually, it’s a really good setup, especially for a new franchise. It’s a really well-run club. They’ve got everything prepared. The new stadium is going to be amazing. Our training facility could rival one of the big English Premiership clubs. The fans have really embraced soccer.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What is it like playing in front of massive crowds in Atlanta like you did in Seattle?
MEARS: A big reason for me signing with Seattle was the fans. I got to see a game against the LA Galaxy, and I was sold straightaway with the fans of Seattle. It was like being in England again. It’s pretty much been the same in Atlanta. They sold out the two home games we’ve had. When we move into the new Mercedes-Benz stadium, they’re expecting to sell that out. I think its capacity is 71,000 fans. It’s going to be awesome.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What are some of the biggest changes from last season to this season?
MEARS: Head coach Tata Martino has an unbelievable resume. He’s worked with some of the best players in the world. The whole training schedules, what we do in training, it’s been completely different than what I was used to in Seattle. He’s coached some of the best teams in the world, and obviously national teams as well. I’m learning a lot.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: How does it feel coming back to Seattle?
MEARS: It was difficult because after the last game, I already had my flight booked to go back to England the next day to see my family. I didn’t get to go to the parade with all the guys, and obviously I’ve left. It’s great to come back, and I saw the guys in preseason. I saw Brian Schmetzer and the coaches. It’ll be nice to see the fans again.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: Is there anything in particular you’ve missed about Seattle?
MEARS: Seeing all the old faces, that’s going to be nice. Not just the players, but the people behind the scenes: Kit men, physios, people like that. It’ll be nice to see those guys again.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What do you think it will feel like playing as a visitor now at CenturyLink Field?
MEARS: I can’t describe it. I don’t know. I’ve always loved playing at the stadium in front of those fans, that’s the reason I came to Seattle. To be on the other end of it, I don’t know. I don’t know what to expect.
SOUNDERSFC.COM: How do you expect the crowd to react to you?
MEARS: I hope it’s a good one. I had two fantastic seasons here, and I really enjoyed it. The last one was a good way to end it. If it was going to come to an end, that’s the way I would have liked it winning an MLS Cup. Hopefully I’ll get a good reception, and then depending on how the game is going, that may change [laughs].
SOUNDERSFC.COM: What’s your lasting memory of your time in Seattle?
MEARS: Roman Torres scoring the penalty. I can’t put it into words how I felt when that penalty went in because I was probably up next to take one [laughs]. I don’t think it could have ended on a better note for me, to win the Cup. With the difficult periods we had to start the season, to end it the way we did, I don’t think you could have written that.
