Olivia Sayer
Atlanta United faces Memphis 901 in a preseason ‘friendly’ on Feb. 3. Atlanta’s regular season begins Feb. 24, when the team travels to Ohio to take on Columbus Crew. (Photo/Olivia Sayer)
Atlanta United will have a plethora of new and up-and-coming talent when it hits the pitch for regular season play later this month. While this can create roster questions, many are excited for what these new faces have to offer.
The most analyzed aspect of Atlanta’s roster can be found guarding the nets at the goalkeeper position. Veteran Brad Guzan is returning for his eighth season in Atlanta, while the team re-signed Quentin Westberg earlier in the offseason.
However, the biggest splash came when free agent goalkeeper Josh Cohen signed a deal through the 2025 season. Cohen, who won three consecutive titles in the Israeli Premier League, is one of many new faces set to don the Atlanta uniform this season.
For most teams, integrating a new mix of players can be challenging, as each one has his own unique style of play. Following the team’s preseason match against Memphis 901, veteran defender Brooks Lennon emphasized the importance of utilizing the preseason to United’s advantage.
“We’re just building,” Lennon said. “That’s what preseason is all about, is building fitness [and] building relationships on and off the field.”
In addition to its new signees, Atlanta has a couple of budding stars primed for breakout seasons. Nick Firmino, 23, a midfielder, is coming off an exceptional season that was capped off by scoring a goal in his MLS debut. Now, he is filling in for Thiago Almada, who is currently taking part in Olympic activities.
“He’s always ready for his opportunity, and he’s been training very well,” Lennon said of Firmino. “We’re really happy with what he’s been doing for us.”
Prior to his magical debut, Firmino was having a storybook season with Atlanta’s reserve team, Atlanta United 2. In what was his team’s inaugural year in MLS NEXT Pro, Firmino finished as an MVP finalist, while leading the team in goals and assists.
Another up-and-coming star for Atlanta is former homegrown signee Efraín Morales. The 19-year-old defender spent the majority of his 2023 campaign on loan with Atlanta United 2, showcasing his athletic ability.
“He’s got a big potential as a player,” Lennon said. “[At] center-back, he’s got all the right attributes to be very successful.”
Morales is one of many in a defender group looking to replicate the production of Miles Robinson, who signed with FC Cincinnati prior in the offseason. To counteract the loss, Atlanta brought in two-time Norwegian Cup winner Stian Gregersen, who brings a prestigious list of accolades with him.
“It’s going to be exciting to see him,” head coach Gonzalo Pineda said of Gregersen.
Atlanta’s season begins on Feb. 24, when the team travels to Ohio to take on Columbus Crew.