Atlanta United extends USL affiliation with Charleston Battery through 2017 season

Atlanta United announced on Wednesday that they have extended their USL affiliation with the Charleston Battery through the 2017 season.

The Battery played a part in helping Atlanta build their inaugural roster by taking players like Alexander Tambakis, Jeffrey Otoo, and Andrew Carleton on loan for the 2016 season to allow them time to adjust to American professional soccer.

“Our mutually-beneficial partnership with Charleston made perfect sense for us to continue,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “Our players were able to gain valuable professional experience last season and we look forward to having the opportunity to utilize the partnership even more in 2017 with having a full roster.”

Expect more of the same in 2017 but escalated to a bigger level now that Atlanta United is actually playing in matches and the development of the players is more pressing than it was last season.

More movement between the two clubs is expected with players going back and forth depending on the current needs of Atlanta at the time.

Last season, Tambakis benefited the most from his loan stint, splitting time with the Battery’s No. 1 goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper. While both Carleton and Otoo played limited minutes as the club fought for a playoff spot.

It remains to be seen which players could go on loan this season, but we should get a better idea once the roster is finalized.