Atlanta United’s 2018 roster confirmed

Atlanta United have officially formalized the 2018 team roster to start the season. Most of it comes as no surprise. However, there are a few notable details that have been confirmed.

Jose Hernandez is listed as an international player that doesn’t take up one of the seven international slots, meaning the Venezualan will spend the season on loan with another team. An obvious option is Atlanta United 2, but perhaps the club opts to move him to their former USL affiliate, Charleston Battery. Hernandez showed flashes of potential during the preseason, but isn’t ready to be an MLS-level defender just yet. This loan could do wonders for him.

Oliver Shannon is currently not listed on the 30-man roster. He was selected in the second round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft and signed with the club on February 21. We’ll keep everyone updated once Shannon’s status is confirmed by Atlanta.

Lastly, Patrick Okonkwo and Gordon Wild are both listed as “unavailable players” and have been training with Charleston the entire preseason. Okonkwo made two appearances for the Battery over the past month, while Wild, an international player, was held out until his work visa cleared.

It’s also noteworthy that there’s one roster spot still available. It’s likely that the spot is for Shannon and Atlanta is just waiting for an additional international slot to open once another player obtains their green card. However, who says the club isn’t keeping their options open for a certain holding midfielder to peak their interest? Let us dream.