Atlanta United announced today it has signed free agent midfielder Jacob Peterson to a multiyear contract. Coming off of a career-high six-goal campaign with Sporting Kansas City in 2016, Peterson becomes the second free agent signing for Atlanta United this offseason.
“We set clear goals during this offseason to add league experience in key areas,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “Jacob is another player who’s enjoyed a long and productive career in MLS and we’re pleased that he’s decided to sign with our club.”
Peterson, 30, is an 11-year MLS veteran with 246 career appearances and 147 starts. He’s spent the last five seasons with Sporting Kansas City, registering 13 goals and seven assists in 108 appearances. Peterson helped guide SKC to one of its most successful runs in club history, reaching the playoffs in all five seasons with Peterson on the team, including pinnacle moments such as winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup twice, in 2012 and 2015, and an MLS Cup in 2013.
Known as an attack-minded winger, Peterson has enjoyed a long career with four different MLS clubs. His reliability and durability have made him an invaluable at each of his four stops. Only twice in his 11-year career has Peterson appeared in less than 20 matches. His teams have also enjoyed quite a bit of success, as the winger has made MLS Cup Playoffs on six different occasions and his team has won their domestic cup four different times – twice with Sporting Kansas City and twice with Toronto FC.
“His work rate and versatility stood out to us from the beginning,” Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra said. “Coupled with his extensive experience, Jacob also brings a great attitude to work every day and it will be a positive addition to the locker room.”
After winning two NCAA College Cups with Indiana, Peterson was drafted with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by Colorado Rapids. He spent four years with the Rapids, starting a total of 49 league matches while adding eight goals. In 2010, Peterson was traded to Toronto FC where he spent the next 18 months and won a pair of Canadian Championships. Peterson also scored a goal in CONCACAF Champions League, scoring against Real Salt Lake in the 2010-11 Group Stage. Peterson was soon traded to San Jose Earthquakes for the stretch run of the 2011 season. He joined Sporting Kansas City the following offseason.
The MLS offseason will continue with the MLS Re-Entry Process as Stage Two will begin on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. The MLS SuperDraft will then take place on Jan. 13 in Los Angeles.
