Atlanta United have announced the signing of Locust Grove native Chris Goslin as the club’s second ever Homegrown player.
#ATLUTD signs @chrisgoslin17 as Homegrown Player. pic.twitter.com/vf1Vghlgqt
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) October 6, 2016
Goslin, 16, is a product of Georgia United’s academy, a member of Atlanta United’s U-18 team and the U.S. Soccer under-17 residency program.
“This is another proud signing in the history of Atlanta United,” said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “Chris’s progression through the youth system has been particularly impressive and he’s shown that he’s ready for the next level in his development. It’s our priority to cultivate a pathway that consistently progresses the best youth players in the area to the next level.”
He becomes the second homegrown player to sign for the expansion club, joining his U-18 and U.S. MNT U-17 teammate, Andrew Carleton.
Goslin is a box-to-box midfielder (sometimes a pure holding midfielder) with very good technical ability and an eye for a pass.
“I’m very excited for Chris and the future of our club,” said Atlanta United head coach Gerardo Martino. “I was able to see Chris play with the U17s and he has huge potential. I look forward to working with him.”
In Carleton and Goslin, Atlanta United have secured two of the best young prospects in the 2018 class of U.S. Soccer development. This is a big coup for the club who have made it a priority to focus on youth development.
“As a club, we’ve set out to commit considerable resources to building the strongest academy in the league, in an effort to lay a firm foundation for our future,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales. “Identifying and developing the best youth players from the Atlanta area has been a priority and Chris certainly has the ability and potential to become a key member of the First Team.”
“We’re extremely happy for Chris and to see his hard work recognized with a professional contract,” said Atlanta United Academy Director Richard Money. “While Chris has set a high bar for the rest of the boys in our program, their pathway to the next level is abundantly clear and everyone should see that through true dedication to the game, anything is possible.”
You can expect both to likely play some role during the inaugural season in 2017. However, both will likely be with the U.S. under-17 national team at the World Cup next fall.