Atlanta United 2 today announced it has appointed Stephen Glass from Atlanta United’s Academy to head coach of the USL Championship team. Glass assumes the position following the departure of Scott Donnelly, who left the club to pursue a new opportunity at the beginning of the year.
“Coming from our Academy, Stephen understands the club’s philosophy and is a natural fit for Atlanta United 2,” said Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra. “He is someone who embodies the club’s core values and recognizes what it takes to be an Atlanta United player.”
Glass joined the club in August 2018 as a head coach for the Academy’s U-17 team, which he led to a 6-2-4 record and is currently 4th in the Southeast Division.
He holds UEFA Pro, UEFA A and UEFA B coaching licenses and came to Atlanta after serving as Coaching Director of the Carolina Rapids, a youth club affiliated with MLS’s Colorado Rapids. Prior to his time with the Rapids, Glass was also the Coaching Director for Triangle Football Club in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Prior to coaching, Glass enjoyed an outstanding professional playing career in the English Premier League with Newcastle United (1998-2001), scoring seven times in 42 appearances. He spent two seasons in the English Championship with Watford before moving to his native Scotland and appeared in 86 matches for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League.
He concluded his playing career with a stint in NASL as a member of the Carolina Railhawks in 2011. Overall, Glass made 380 professional league appearances, while also representing Scotland internationally.
ATL UTD 2’s preseason begins this Friday, Feb. 1. The team will play four preseason matches against Clemson University, Tormenta FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and Charlotte Independence.
ATL UTD 2 kicks off its second season in its new home of Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia on March 9 against USL Championship expansion team Hartford Athletic at 7:30 p.m. EST.