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Atlanta United used yesterday’s Expansion Draft to strengthen its roster, especially on the defensive side. The club acquired potential starters in Zach Loyd and Mikey Ambrose, along with a capable goalkeeper in Alec Kann. They traded Clint Irwin back to Toronto for another potential starter in Mark Bloom, along with allocation money. Atlanta also added a second SuperDraft pick in the first round, acquiring Orlando’s #8 selection for Donny Toia.
The amazing thing is that these acquisitions were not even the biggest Atlanta news of the day. Reports started coming out of Argentina and Paraguay that United was close to signing Racing Club, and Paraguayan national team, playmaker Óscar Romero. A former teammate at the youth and first team levels of Miguel Almirón at Cerro Porteño, he was thought to be targeted by the New York Red Bulls and Seattle Sounders over the summer. It now appears he will be joining Tata Martino in Atlanta.
With this news, it appears that Atlanta’s long chase for Mexican captain Andres Guardado has come to an end.
Allow me to clarify. It is certainly dead as far as Atlanta is concerned. Chance he might end up elsewhere in MLS tho. https://t.co/NYUWLGerMG
— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) December 14, 2016
It is obvious that Tata Martino is seeking out players who fit the style of play that he wants to implement with Atlanta United. Romero is another one that he would be familiar with and know how to best utilize.
Stay tuned, we will report on developments with Romero and any other roster moves Atlanta United could be working on.
Domestic
Zach Loyd says goodbye to Dallas fans (Big D Soccer)
The Clint Irwin/Mark Bloom trade from Toronto’s perspective (Waking the Red)
Mikey Ambrose joins Atlanta from Orlando in the Expansion Draft (The Mane Land)
Decatur’s Alec Kann is drafted by Atlanta from Sporting Kansas City (The Blue Testament)
More background on the Expansion Draft and why some things happened the way they did (MLS)
Could a MLS Cup title take Seattle to even greater heights? (FourFourTwo)
LA Galaxy obtain the rights to Jermaine Jones (ESPN)
Juninho looking to return from Club Tijuana (MLS)
Curt Onalfo is the new coach for the LA Galaxy (LAG Confidential)
Pablo Mastroeni reportedly signing new three year contract in Colorado (Burgundy Wave)
USL becoming a pathway for coaching development (USL)
Cosmos finances do not paint a pretty picture (Empire of Soccer)
Sources: @FTLStrikers have new ownership and they will meet with "players they are interested in bringing back" tomorrow morning.
— Pedro Heizer (@pedroheizer) December 14, 2016
International
Kashima Antlers become first Asian club to reach World Club Cup final by defeating Atletico Nacional 3-0 this morning (FourFourTwo)