Atlanta United today announced it has signed Greg Garza to a multi-year contract. The defender spent the 2017 season on loan from Club Tijuana.

“Greg was an integral part of our first-year success and we’re happy we were able to bring him back on a permanent basis,” said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “He’s a natural fit for our style of play and in addition to his on-field performance, which was recognized by his place in the MLS All-Star Game, Greg has become an important figure in the locker room.”

Garza, 26, made 26 appearances and 25 starts in his first season in MLS. He scored two goals (against Vancouver on June 3 and FC Dallas on Sept. 10), added five assists and was voted to participate in the 2017 MLS All-Star Game where he started the match against Real Madrid. Despite missing nine matches, Garza created 33 chances, which was fourth-most in MLS among defenders. He was twice named to the MLS Team of the Week (Weeks 2 and 3) and won the league’s Goal of the Week for his strike against FC Dallas in the inaugural match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.