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Atlanta United 2 announced its final roster moves of the 2020 season ahead of the 2021 USL Championship season.
Returning to the 2’s are forward Phillip Goodrum and goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard who had their options exercised, forward Amadou Macky Diop who reached a new deal with the club, and defenders Jack Gurr and Bradley Kamdem Fewo who also reached new contracts with the club for 2021.
Midfielders Abdoulaye Diop and Daniel Steedman remain under contract for the 2021 season.
The club declined contract options on forward Lamin Jawneh, midfielder Baboucarr Njie and goalkeeper Gabe Rosario. Jawneh appeared sparingly for the club and Rosario recorded zero appearances, but Njie was frequently called upon as a midfield disruptor so his departure is surprising.
Midfielder Amir Bashti and defenders Modou Jadama and Patrick Nielsen are out of contract. Bashti and Nielsen were both recent Superdraft picks for Atlanta United, with Bashti being selected in the second round in 2019 and Nielsen being selected in the first round in 2020. Both players can still return on new contracts if both parties can reach an agreement.
Jadama departs after captaining a young 2’s team and anchoring the defensive group. Jadama could return to help mentor the bevy of young centerbacks currently emerging with Atlanta United 2 including young Homegrowns George Campbell and Efrain Morales, along with academy players Matthew Edwards, Nigel Prince, and Andrew Durkin. If Atlanta United chooses to not resign Jadama, they could start the 2021 season with one of the youngest defenses in the USL Championship with Caleb Wiley, Efrain Morales, George Campbell, and Jack Gurr as the presumptive back four.
Under contract: Abdoulaye Diop, Daniel Steedman
Options exercised: Phillip Goodrum, Ben Lundgaard
Options declined, reached new contract: Jack Gurr, Bradley Kamdem Fewo
Out of contract, reached new contract: Amadou Macky Diop
Options declined: Lamin Jawneh, Baboucarr Njie, Gabe Rosario
Out of contract: Amir Bashti, Modou Jadama, Patrick Nielsen
2021 Atlanta United 2 roster (as of Dec. 4, 2020)
Goalkeepers (1): Ben Lundgaard
Defenders (2): Jack Gurr, Bradley Kamdem Fewo
Midfielders (2): Abdoulaye Diop, Daniel Steedman
Forwards (2): Amadou Macky Diop, Phillip Goodrum
Initial Thoughts: Atlanta United 2 saw the promise of playing the kids last year and trialing a bunch of regional college talents. Look for a heavy dose of the academy’s emerging talent to be on display in 2021 along with a few new faces from the college and USL ranks.
Let’s also take a moment to thank Mo Jadama and Amir Bashti for their valuable contributions to Atlanta United 2 over their brief tenures with the club and wish them luck in their next opportunities.