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Update 2:32 p.m.: Atlanta United has traded it’s fifth overall pick to D.C. United (who just had the fourth pick). Details:
TRADE: #ATLUTD trades No.5 pick and No.32 pick to D.C. United in exchange for $125,000 in General Allocation Money and No.31 pick. pic.twitter.com/iVbeXxMH60
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) January 21, 2021
It’s draft day, folks! While Kevin Costner isn’t about to wheel and deal Atlanta United to the top of the league, there could be some interesting developments to come out of today’s proceedings. The Five Stripes hold the fifth overall pick after a lovely showing in 2020. Could they grab someone to help out the first-team like they did in 2017 when they drafted Miles Robinson and Julian Gressel? Only time will tell.
Most mock drafts have Atlanta United taking centerbacks whether its Josh Bauer (New Hampshire), Ethan Bartlow (Washington) or Nabi Kibunguchy (UC Davis) with its top pick. While it’s usually impossible to predict how drafts will go in MLS, the safe bet is on Atlanta taking a defender who is good with the ball at their feet.
That’s assuming that they keep their pick. There’s always the option of dealing it away for assets. We’ll just have to wait and see how the day plays out.
Coverage of the draft begins at 2:00 p.m. ET with MLSSoccer.com live streaming the first round on their website and on YouTube. Following the coverage, Atlanta United will be streaming a live wrap-up show on their site with reactions and analysis from Darren Eales and Carlos Bocanegra.
As always, this is your place to discuss any pertinent happenings or just to have fun. Let’s do this thing.