OFFICIAL: Greg Garza completes loan move to Atlanta United

Atlanta United announced on Friday that they have acquired left back Greg Garza on loan from Club Tijuana.

The deal is through MLS’ discovery process. Columbus Crew held Garza’s MLS rights. Atlanta had to trade them a conditional second round selection in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft for the right to sign him.

The stipulation for compensation to the Crew is this:

...if Garza starts in 12 or more MLS regular-season games in 2017, or if his option for 2018 is exercised following the 2017 season, Crew SC will receive General Allocation Money instead of the SuperDraft pick.

“Greg has represented the United States on several occasions and we’re thrilled to be able to add a player of his quality,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “In addition to his caps at the international level, Greg has experienced top-level competition in Liga MX. To continue to attract players with his international background is a great sign for our club.”

Garza is a fullback by trade and has international experience with the USMNT.

The 25-year-old has appeared nine times for the United States all during Jurgen Klinsmann’s reign as manager.

“Greg is a quality left back who’s profile fits in nicely with our style of play,” technical director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He has the ability to get up-and-down the line to contribute to both sides of the ball, and his experience in Mexico, along with the U.S. National Team, brings another quality dimension to our team.”

Earlier this year, Garza sustained a hip injury that required surgery. This occurred in September with the timetable for his return putting him at full health around January.

This brings Atlanta United’s current roster total to 20.

Goalkeepers (2): Alexander Tambakis, Alec Kann

Defenders (5): Michael Parkhurst, Zach Loyd, Mikey Ambrose, Mark Bloom, Greg Garza

Midfielders (8): Miguel Almiron, Chris Goslin, Harrison Heath, Kevin Kratz, Chris McCann, Hector Villalba, Andrew Carleton, Jeff Larentowicz

Forwards (5): Kenwyne Jones, Jeffrey Otoo, Romario Williams, Brandon Vazquez, Jacob Peterson