Atlanta United acquires Mark Bloom from Toronto FC

Eyebrows were raised when Atlanta United took Toronto FC goalkeeper Clint Irwin in the third round of the Expansion Draft. Heavy rumors have linked the club to Brad Guzan, so why draft another starting caliber goalkeeper?

Turns out the club had no plans on keeping Irwin as they have traded him back to Toronto in exchange for Georgia native Mark Bloom and general allocation money.

Bloom, 29, is from Marietta and plays primarily as a right back. It appears as if this is a move to fill the hole on the right side of the back line.

While it’s too early to tell if Bloom will be an automatic starter, there’s a good chance as he’s the only natural right back on the roster.

He has played four seasons in MLS, appearing in 39 games, all for Toronto. He spent time with AC St. Louis, the Charlotte Eagles, and the Atlanta Silverbacks. Bloom played his college soccer with Berry College.

In addition to gaining a probably starter, the Atlanta United has gained allocation money, the live blood of any MLS team. The club has made several big signings and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime in the near future. Allocation money will help to stretch the salary cap and allow the club to bring in more players.