Atlanta United 2 today announced it has signed defender Guillermo Benítez on loan for the 2019 season from Panama’s C.D. Plaza Amador, pending league and federation approval.

“Guillermo fits the player profile we are looking for at the club,” said Atlanta United 2 head coach Stephen Glass. “He already has international experience, and I am excited to work with him and continue his development here at Atlanta United.”

Benítez, 19, made his debut for the Panama National Team when he started against the United States in a friendly Jan. 27. He has been a standout for Panama’s Youth National Teams and earned his first call up to the senior team for a friendly against Venezuela in September 2018.

During the 2018-19 season, Benítez made six starts in the Panamanian Football League for Plaza Amador, including his professional debut Aug. 11, 2018.

The left back made five starts for Panama’s U-20 squad in the 2018 Concacaf Championship and helped lead Panama’s backline which allowed only three goals to win Group D and advance to the qualification stage. Panama then finished second in Group H to qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup which will take place this May in Poland.

ATL UTD 2 begins its preseason Friday, Feb. 1 to prepare for its second season which begins in its new home of Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia on March 9 against USL Championship expansion team Hartford Athletic at 7:30 p.m. EST.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Guillermo Josue Benítez

Pronunciation: gee-AIR-mo, ben-EE-tez

Position: Defender

Height: 5-8

Weight: 150

Birthdate: March 5, 1999 (19)

Hometown: Panama City, Panama

Nationality: Panama

Last Club: C.D. Plaza Amador

Acquired: Signed on loan Jan. 31, 2019