Atlanta United 2’s defender and captain Matt Edwards has signed a Homegrown deal, effective immediately, to make him now an official member of the MLS side. The deal runs through the 2025 with an additional two option years to the 2027 season.
Edwards has seen action with the first team multiple times so far this season thanks to injuries that have plagued Atlanta’s defensive depth throughout the first half of 2024. More recently, Atlanta used Edwards’ fourth and final Short-Term Agreement for Wednesday’s match against D.C. United.
Edwards joined Atlanta United 2 in December of 2023 after spending three seasons playing with the University of North Carolina. This season in MLS Next Pro, Edwards has risen to become the side’s captain, making ten appearances with the 2’s, starting nine, and playing a variety of roles across the back line. His other short-term stints with the first team this season came in the U.S. Open Cup, making his debut against the Charlotte Independence in the Round of 32, where he notched an assist, and featured again against the Charleston Battery in the Round of 16, where Atlanta advanced after a penalty shootout.
For a deeper dive on Atlanta United’s newest signing, check out a feature piece from our own Henry Higuita on Matt Edwards’ journey so far in the 21 year old’s young career.
A Homegrown deal for the defender bolsters Atlanta’s depth in the back as Stian Gregersen recovers from his most recent injury and Luis Abram misses time with Peru in Copa America. Expect Edwards to feature in the gameday roster tomorrow night, as Atlanta United visits St. Louis City for a cross-conference clash.
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[…] Atlanta United signs Matt Edwards to Homegrown contract […]
[…] Atlanta United signs Matt Edwards to Homegrown contract […]
timely profile by HH this week 😎
really happy for this kid. well-earned contract.
Really proud of Edwards for stepping up on a one-year 2s contract and showing that he deserved more. He adds quality defensive depth at both fullback spots and at CB. He would be a strong option as a wide CB in a 3-man backline.
it would be great to see him start tomorrow if we are going back to our standard 4-2-3-1
If he starts, he would probably be our right-back with Lennon moving up to RW/RM. Otherwise, it would be an opportunity for Luke Brennan to start at RW.
I know Lennon is the workhorse, but it would be great to give him some rest and run the young guys. We could always bring on Lennon at the 60th min mark if an extra boost is needed
figured this would happen when they were on his final short term contract. congrats to him for getting the first team contract