The multi-purpose stadium has a 71 000 capacity, but Monday group stage match, which kicked off at 3 PM, attracted little over 22 000 spectators. 
Atlanta is over 3220 kilometres away from Los Angeles, where Major League Soccer club LAFC are based.

"It was a good match, a good performance," Maresca told reporters. "I think the environment was a bit strange. The stadium was almost empty. Not full." 

The Italian expected more fans to attend when they take on Brazilian side Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday.

"We prepared for this game also thinking that the environment was a bit different," Maresca says.

"But no doubt that the next one will be a nice one because we know that the Brazilian team, they always bring many, many fans. So we will try to be ready for the next one."

--Reuters--