ATLANTA — Atlanta United 2 today announced three additions ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season. Defenders Nelson Orji, Raimar Rodrigues Lopes and midfielder Nick Firmino have signed with the club, pending league and federation approval.
Firmino is a Brazilian-American midfielder who came up through the New England Revolution academy. The Mantena, Brazil born 21-year-old signed a professional deal in November 2018. Two years later, Firmino made his professional debut for New England Revolution II on July 25, 2020 in USL League One. This past season, Firmino played with Union Omaha of USL League One. Overall, the midfielder has made 41 career appearances and tallied six goals and two assists.
Lopes is a left back who most recently played in Brazil with Athletico Paranaense. The Manaus, Brazil native was a part of the U-20 side with Paranaense. He was sent out on loan in 2021 to Clube do Remo in the Brasilero Serie B. He made 13 appearances in 2021, while adding three appearances in the Copa Verde in 2022 for Remo.
Orji is a 19-year-old Nigerian defender who joins Atlanta United 2 after being a part of the FC Porto academy where he played with the U-19’s. Most recently the center back was in Hungary with Zalaegerzegi TE FC.
The 2022 USL Championship season begins on March 12 for Atlanta United 2 when they travel to Louisville City FC. The club’s home opener is on March 16 against New York Red Bulls II at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw.
Player Profile
Name: Nelson Orji
Position: Defender
Birthdate: Apr. 5, 2002 (19)
Birthplace: Nigeria
Nationality: Nigeria
Transaction: Atlanta United 2 signs Nelson Orji on Mar. 1, 2022.
Player Profile
Name: Raimar Rodrigues Lopes
Position: Defender
Height: 5-9
Birthdate: May 27, 2002 (19)
Birthplace: Manaus, Brazil
Nationality: Brazil
Transaction: Atlanta United 2 signs Raimar Rodrigues Lopes on Mar. 1, 2022.
Player Profile
Name: Nick Firmino
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Birthdate: Jan. 30, 2001 (21)
Birthplace: Mantena, Brazil
Nationality: USA, Brazil
Transaction: Atlanta United 2 signs Nick Firmino on Mar. 1, 2022.
2022 Atlanta United 2 roster (as of Mar. 1, 2022)
Goalkeepers (2): Justin Garces*, Vicente Reyes
Defenders (4): Raimar Lopes, Aiden McFadden, Efrain Morales*, Nelson Orji
Midfielders (5): Nick Firmino, Ajani Fortune, David Mejia, Robbie Mertz, Jonantan Villal,
Forwards (1): Darwin Matheus
*- On Loan from Atlanta United
