The holidays are over and 2020 is here, which means Atlanta United matchdays are right around the corner. Here’s what’s coming up for the Five Stripes this month:
The International Transfer Window
January is a key month in international soccer, as it marks the beginning and end of the midseason international transfer window. While players within MLS have been able to make moves for a while, this means new players coming from outside of the league can officially file the paperwork to make transfers. Stay tuned to ATLUTD.com and all of Atlanta United’s social media channels for all the latest on what’s always a busy time in the soccer calendar.
eMLS League Series One
The offseason lull for the first team is when Atlanta United esports heats up, and with a top-5 player in the world signing up to play for the Five Stripes this season, the team’s second year in eMLS is shaping up to be a big one. Paulo Neto will head to Philadelphia for League Series One on January 9th and 10th for his first appearance in Atlanta United colors to face off with some of the biggest names in North American gaming. He’ll then travel back to Atlanta to compete in the EA Sports FIFA Global Series where he’ll face the biggest names in the world, looking to build on his console finals appearance in the last Global Series event in Bucharest, Romania this month.
MLS SuperDraft
College soccer’s best players are looking to take the next step into the pros, and that means the MLS SuperDraft is coming up this week. With the likes of Julian Gressel and Miles Robinson as well as plenty of depth talent and ATL UTD 2 stars picked in the past, this is a key time to add talented players to first-team rosters. The first round will be streamed live on Twitter, so anyone can tune in. Click here for everything you need to know about this year’s event.
Preseason Begins
Judging by players’ social media channels, many are already hard at work getting ready for the 2020 season, but the travels back to Atlanta will all begin soon as well as the preseason officially kicks off. With Concacaf Champions’ League matches coming up fast, they get a small head start on the season compared to teams not competing in international tournaments. Look for full coverage on Atlanta United’s social media channels starting officially on January 11th.
Generation adidas Cup
The first team may be in the offseason, but the Atlanta United Academy season is in full swing –– and there’s a tasty matchup coming up in the Generation adidas Cup at the end of month. The U17 squad will travel down to a neutral site in Valdosta, Georgia to face off against Orlando City on January 25th. That’s one of many matches for the Academy this month, so make sure you’re following along with the Atlanta United Academy for all the latest updates on that.
Camps and Clinics
Last but not least, Atlanta United’s commitment to growing the game at all levels has never been bigger, and the cold weather doesn’t stop the Atlanta United Training Programs. From tryouts for the elite Regional Development School to fun, growing opportunities with Atlanta United camps and skill clinics, there’s a program for everyone in the 5-14 age bracket. Click here for more information on everything Atlanta United has to offer for youth players in the area.
Buckle up 17s, because 2020 is here. And with preseason matches, Concacaf Champions League play and the first match of the MLS Season coming up in February, Atlanta United’s fourth season will be here before you know it.
