Highlights: Atlanta United looks closer to early season team in Portland draw

On paper, traveling to Portland, without Greg Garza (and still Josef Martinez), doesn't seem like the combination to help Atlanta United break out of its recent run of bad form. 

But hey, not everything has to make sense. Mark Bloom played well on the left side, Atlanta got a few good breaks and Atlanta loves to score early in the second half. 

Clap for Julian Gressel.

Atlanta United players living their best lives ahead of first preseason

The MLS offseason is short. Add in Atlanta United being a new squad and you can bet the 2017 preseason, which kicks off today, will be a grueling one.

Don't feel bad for the guys though, if their social media accounts are any indication, they've been enjoying every short second of their time off.

Harrison Heath (@harrison_heath8)

Safe to say I'm enjoying Mexico! ☀️🛥

A photo posted by Harrison Heath (@harrison_heath8) on Nov 23, 2016 at 2:20pm PST

Kenwyne Jones (@kenwynejonestt) 

Christmas mercies #alwaysthankful

A photo posted by Kenwyne Jones (@kenwynejonestt) on Dec 25, 2016 at 2:08pm PST

Mikey Ambrose (@mikeyambrose5)

Enjoying my last week in Florida before I head to Atlanta! End of one good chapter, now time to start the next great one #offseason

A photo posted by Mikey Ambrose (@mikeyambrose5) on Jan 7, 2017 at 7:03am PST

Mark Bloom (@markbloom28)

Roasting pants and marshmallows

A photo posted by Mark Bloom (@markbloom28) on Sep 4, 2016 at 6:51am PDT

Greg Garza (@gmgarza)

Next up: Batting practice. Baseball player in the making. ⚾️ Oh yeah... and a change of underwear from Marshall to Chase the Police Dog. / Sigue: Entrenando su bateo. Construyendo un jugador de beis. ⚾️ A si... y también un cambio de calzón de Marshall a Chase, el perro policial. #fatherson

A video posted by Gregory Garza (@gmgarza) on Nov 18, 2016 at 3:34pm PST

Chris McCann (@cjmccann7)

Me and the wifey @gmccannx celebrating the end of a great year gettin ready to start our exciting new chapter.

Tito Villalba (@titovillalba15)

Hermoso finde con ustedes,buenas noches 😊

A photo posted by Tito Villalba (@titovillalba15) on Sep 5, 2016 at 11:07pm PDT

Andrew Carleton (@_andrewcarleton_)

now I do what I want 🎶

A photo posted by Andrew Carleton (@_andrewcarleton_) on Aug 19, 2016 at 4:45pm PDT

Miguel Almiron (@miguel_almiron)

☀️😘🐬😍

A photo posted by Miguel Angel (@miguel_almiron) on Dec 20, 2016 at 11:03am PST

Jacob Peterson (@jacobpeterson37)

Adding one more to our family just in time for next season...baby girl Peterson coming in January @laurenpreston 🎀🎀🎀 pic.twitter.com/k4Ys1As9Q9

— Jacob Peterson (@JacobPeterson37) August 18, 2016

Julian Gressel (@jgressel24)

3 years and counting! Excited for what lies ahead of us. Love you @ccbrown3 ❤️😘

A photo posted by Julian Gressel (@jgressel24) on Nov 2, 2016 at 2:07pm PDT

Jeffrey Otoo (@iam_jeffrey_otoo)

I don't wanna look like ya...💯

A photo posted by Jeffrey Otoo (@iam_jeffrey_otoo) on Nov 26, 2016 at 7:09pm PST

Chris Goslin (@chrisgoslin_)

waves🌙🌊®

A photo posted by atlanta 🌃 (@chrisgoslin_) on Nov 6, 2016 at 4:32pm PST

Brandon Vazquez (@brvndonvazquez)

Happiest place on earth is wherever I'm with you ❤️

A photo posted by Brandon Vazquez (@brvndonvazquez) on Nov 27, 2016 at 9:33pm PST

Romario Williams (@iam_pavyrgwvii) 

Watch over us father 🙏🏽😇 ... 09.24.16 #MyPartnerInCrime #WingMan #ARW 👨‍👦

A photo posted by Romario Williams (@iam_pavyrgwvii) on Oct 10, 2016 at 12:13pm PDT

Atlanta United Traffic Report #005

The Atlanta United roster has seen some major additions since the last podcast. Yesterday Arthur's Old Boys and Minnesota United took part in the MLS Expansion Draft, and after the dust settled Tata Martino added a goalie and a couple defenders.

Was it worth the trading and back door dealing?