Atlanta United Academy midfielder Ajani Fortune called up by Trinidad & Tobago national team

Atlanta United reported Tuesday that Academy midfielder Ajani “Jay” Fortune received his first senior team call-up for the Trinidad & Tobago National Team. This is Fortune’s first senior call-up for T&T after appearing four times with the nation’s U-17s international team.

He will join his national squad teammates in Florida ahead of its upcoming friendly on Jan. 31 against Miles Robinson and George Bello’s U.S. side (7:00 p.m. EST, FS1) at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Bello became the first Atlanta United Academy player to earn a call up into the U.S. Men’s National Team and now Fortune becomes the second player in the academy’s history to get a national team invitation.

Fortune, 18, currently plays for the Atlanta United U-18/19s and made his debut with the 2s on July 11th of the 2020 season against Charleston Battery. Over the 2020 season, Fortune played in 11 matches, five as a starter, finishing the campaign with 464 total minutes played, 78.3 percent passing, and a duel success rate of 48.7 percent. His first goal came against The Miami FC last September.

For the academy and for the 2s, Fortune plays a central midfield role, often in a double pivot with his academy teammate Will Reilly. As he enters his final year with the academy and last season with the 2s as an academy player, Fortune will surely garner plenty of positive attention with a national team cap on his resume.

Congratulations Jay Fortune, and best of luck in your first senior international match.