We all have sports idols growing up, but how many of us get to play alongside those idols? Sunday, Caleb Wiley saw that dream come true when he stepped onto the pitch in the 75th minute of the 5 Stripes’ season opener as a sub for Josef Martinez.
A homegrown player that has been with the organization since he was 11-years-old, Wiley got some motivation from his childhood hero during his time in the academy that paid off Sunday.
At the age of 17, Wiley put an exclamation point on his debut with the goal to seal the deal for Atlanta United in the 89th minute, and his parents were in the stands celebrating with the other 67,000+ fans that filled Mercedes-Benz Stadium—the most at any MLS game over opening weekend.
Next up for Atlanta United is a match against Colorado at home on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
