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Yesterday, the Atlanta United Academy announced the graduation of its 2020 class of players, many of whom will be going on to play in the collegiate ranks. The nature of the academy system and our coverage of the first team means we often focus on the George Bellos and George Campbells — the players with a more immediate opportunity to prove themselves as pros. But these lesser-known kids have been equally dedicated in their pursuits of a soccer career and deserve recognition for making the club’s Academy what it is — one that’s grown quickly to be one of the most competitive groups in the country in only a handful of years.
Represent the ️ with pride!
— ATLUTD Academy (@AcademyATLUTD) June 1, 2020
Congrats to the 12 academy players on taking the next step to the collegiate level! ✍️✅ pic.twitter.com/jYZko8UYZh
Brandon Clagette - University of Pittsburgh
Miguel Ramirez - Duke University
Jordan Matthews - University of South Carolina
Josue Hangi - University of Akron
Mbongeni Kanyane - Univeristy of Dayton (*cough*goflyers*cough*)
Anthony Reaves - Cornell University
Victor Delgado - NC State University
Garrison Tubbs - Wake Forest University
Remi Smith - Air Force Academy
Chase Oliver - Wake Forest University
Miguel Gonzalez - Georgia Gwinnett College
Michael Wilkerson - University of San Diego
And here’s the official statement from Atlanta United Academy Director Tony Annan:
Best of luck boys!
— ATLUTD Academy (@AcademyATLUTD) June 1, 2020
@TonyAnnan1 pic.twitter.com/uCZJC1uco6
Let’s hear it in the comments for these kids who deserve recognition from the fans!