Good morning! Sydney here with the debut edition of the SnS Daily newsletter. We’ll send these out 3x-4x a week with everything you need to know about Atlanta United as you start your day. Given it’s the first one, things can (and will) change, so be patient with us as we figure out the format. (BTW, follow me on X, BSky, IG, and Threads.)
Junior is here
The long-awaited (first) signing of the summer transfer window is here: Júnior Alonso. This isn’t a surprise; we knew he was coming already and was in town for Atlanta’s friendly against Sporting Kansas City, but now it’s officially official.
Alonso’s departure from Atlético Mineiro was celebrated with a post looking back at his achievements with the Brazilian outfit throughout his two separate stints. Atlético won the league and the Copa do Brasil (their version of the U.S. Open Cup) in 2021 while advancing to the 2024 Copa Libertadores final against Botafogo. Proponents of the move say that he could serve as a Michael Parkhurst-esque steadying force to a shaky backline. Opponents say at 33, he’s old and slow. We’ll find out together.
It should be a busy summer window for Atlanta. The transfer tracker’s live and running right now, or head to our socials for the latest (X, BSky, Threads).
Also…
–The World Cup semifinal is this week. A couple of guys you’re no doubt familiar with, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi, face off on Wednesday at the Benz, with the winner taking on either France or Spain in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium. Argentina, of course, seek a third straight final, while England look to make the final two for the first time since 1966. Here’s where to watch around town.
–Oh, and Atlanta United plays Nashville SC on Friday. It’s been almost two months since the Five Stripes have played an official match, but they restart the season this weekend against the current Supporters’ Shield leaders. This will either go really badly or similar to last year at GEODIS, when Ronald Hernandez(!) headed Atlanta to a 1-0 win over the Boys In Gold. We’re live on Wednesday night talking about it — subscribe to the YouTube channel if you haven’t already.
Get to know our transfer tracker
It’s going to be, we presume, a busy summer for Atlanta United. The place to go to catch up on everything that’s happening, from the credible to what’s being rumored, is our transfer tracker. We’ll be updating it regularly, so you’ll want to bookmark it (and share it with your friends!). Transfer Tracker →
ATL UTD 2’s Athens era is over
ICYMI, ATL UTD 2 played to a 4-1 win Saturday over Inter Miami II in Athens, the club’s final match there before heading back to Kennesaw. Arif Kovac, who is a name you need to know if you don’t already, is up to an MLS NEXT Pro-high 13 goals in 16 appearances. Those are stats that might get him a look with the first team before long.
The 2s, by the way, head to Huntsville City on July 18. First game back in Kennesaw is July 26 against NYCFC II. Here’s the full schedule in case you need it.
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That’s it for now. See you in the next one.