Today, Atlanta United 2 announced their first signings ever.

Atlanta United signed AJ Cochran, Diego Lopez, Jack Metcalf and Yosef Samuel to their USL side Atlanta United 2. The signings are still awaiting approval from the federation and the league but will most likely be approved.

“Both AJ and Jack will lend experience and leadership to the group while Diego and Yosef are exciting young players who fit nicely into the club’s style of play. I couldn’t be happier to start building our roster with this group of players.”- Scott Donnelly (Atlanta United 2 Coach)

Samuel, Cochran, and Metcalf all have previous USL experience with Bethelehem Steel FC, St. Louis FC, and Charlotte Independence respectively. Lopez previously played for FC Golden State, which is coached by one of the best youth coaches in California in Jimmy Nordberg. He also has played for the U.S. U-15 and U-17 National teams.

Yosef Samuel

Yosef Samuel is a 20 year old midfielder/forward. He most recently played for Philadelphia Union’s USL affiliate Bethelehem Steel FC. In 2 seasons, he made 20 appearances and had a 78.6 pass success rate. He also came up through Philadelphia’s youth system with the U-18 club and scored 10 goals in 37 appearances. Samuel is also an Atlanta native although he was born in the US.

AJ Cochran

A former 16th pick in the MLS SuperDraft to the Dynamo, Cochran is a central defender who has made 26 appearances and 16 starts. He has also made 19 appearances, scored 1 goal, and has a 63% success rate on tackles. He was also a 3-year starter at Wisconsin.

I am beyond excited to start this new chapter with @atlutd2! Couldn’t be going to a better organization. Thank @BarryMacLean7 and @BeswicksSports for everything this offseason! — AJ Cochran (@Alec_Cochran) January 24, 2018

Jack Metcalf

Metcalf is a 26-year-old defender from Liverpool, England, who spent 2017 with Bangor City of the Welsh Premier League and made 3 appearances. Before that, he played with Charlotte Independence of the USL from 2015-16 where he made 40 appearances.Metcalf also played with Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at the youth level before playing collegiately at Clemson University where he made 68 appearances and scored 1 goal. According to Bangor City’s official website, Metcalf is equally comfortable at fullback as he is in the midfield.

Buzzing to sign with @atlutd2 and join a very special organization in @ATLUTD! Can’t wait to get started on this new journey 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/lD2diiUqQw — Jack S.Perry Metcalf (@JackPezMet) January 24, 2018

Diego Lopez

Diego Lopez is a 16-year-old forward from California who spent his youth career with FC Golden State. He has made 43 appearances for FC Golden State and has scored 22 goals. He has also represented the U.S. U-17 and U-15 national teams. He was part of the U-15 squad that won the Torneo Delle Nazioni in 2015 and was on earth of the 20 players called up to play for the U-17 national team in their friendlies.

As more signings and call-ups from the youth academy are announced, I will release an article about how the players will fit in to the Atlanta United 2 lineup.

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