Many former and current Super Y League players have joined MLS expansion franchise Atlanta United FC in recent days, and one has made history with the club.
On Thursday, Atlanta United revealed Andrew Carleton as its first-ever Homegrown Player signing. Carleton, who can play as a midfielder and forward, was a standout performer at the 2013 SYL ODP National Camp -- which has been transformed into the USL Experience. By attending the Regional Scouting Series events, each elite SYL player has an opportunity to be called into a national pool where, if selected, they will have the chance to take part in the USL Experience.
“We’re excited to welcome Andrew to the club,” Atlanta United Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He’s an outstanding young talent with strong ties to Georgia soccer so we’re very proud to name him the first homegrown player in club history. Andrew has been a mainstay with the U.S. Youth National Teams from a young age and we look forward to watching him develop as a professional.”
Atlanta United Academy also revealed signings for its Under-18, U-16, U-14, U-13 and U-12 teams, and many SYL participants were included. Lagos Kunga, Alhaji Tambadu, Bryce Washington, Balmore Cruz, George Bello, Mateo Bargagna, Jacob Haynes and Machop Chol are among the more than 15 former and current SYL players spread out across the different Atlanta United Academy age groups.
Here are all of Atlanta United Academy's recent additions:
Introducing our U18 Academy! #repatlutd #atlutd pic.twitter.com/Kr1xwxqWLG
— ATLUTD Academy (@AcademyATLUTD) June 4, 2016
Introducing our U16 Academy! #repatlutd #atlutd pic.twitter.com/EmoCfi44YY
— ATLUTD Academy (@AcademyATLUTD) June 4, 2016
Introducing our U14 Academy! #repatlutd #atlutd pic.twitter.com/dO0rnF2RAC
— ATLUTD Academy (@AcademyATLUTD) June 4, 2016
Introducing our U13 Academy! #repatlutd #atlutd pic.twitter.com/h3jopRuXLz
— ATLUTD Academy (@AcademyATLUTD) June 4, 2016
Introducing our U12 Academy! #repatlutd #atlutd pic.twitter.com/PStxQdzx7f
— ATLUTD Academy (@AcademyATLUTD) June 4, 2016