Atlanta United’s 5-Stripes squad grew by three at the MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia Friday.
The red, black and gold’s first pick was no. 14 in the first round, and they went with an attacker to add to the roster with Notre Dame standout Jon Gallagher.
Jon was an All-American for the Fighting Irish in 2017, finishing with 13 goals and two assists, including five game-winners. He finished with 39 goals in his NCAA career, including 36 in his last three seasons –– the most over a three-year stretch for Notre Dame in more than a decade.
“We like his work ethic,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales. “His ability to score goals as well as set them up. He has flexibility, he can play a false nine, he can play wide. He’s not going to be under pressure to be starting games for us, which will give him a chance to fit in with Tata’s system. But that flexibility and that work rate is something we were looking for.”
“It’s a dream come true that I’ve been chasing for so long,” Gallagher said. “To be with such an amazing club is an incredible feeling. The brand of soccer we play is so exciting, and I just can’t wait to start.”
The moves that have landed Jon Gallagher with @ATLUTD. #SuperDrafthttps://t.co/HM5GdKCUAj
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2018
Atlanta United wasn’t done there, with the club holding back-to-back picks midway through the second round. They picked up midfielder Oliver Shannon from Clemson, a Liverpool, England native that served as team captain for Clemson for two years and a three-time All-ACC selection.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to be picked by Atlanta United,” he said. “I can’t wait to hopefully contribute to this team and this city.”
A closer look at @ATLUTD’s pick, Oliver Shannon. #SuperDrafthttps://t.co/ZTtydYFL0T
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2018
With the next pick –– and their final selection of the day –– Atlanta United selected former Maryland forward Gordon Wild. The native German was a prolific scorer in college –– he led the nation in scoring at South Carolina Upstate, a small Division I program, with 16 goals in his Freshman year. Then he was named one of three finalists for the Hermann Trophy, college soccer’s version of the MVP, in his sophomore year with Maryland after scoring 17 goals and earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors.
“I’m very excited to be a part of Atlanta United,” Wild said. “Amazing fans, amazing stadium. I’m looking forward to getting to know everything.”
Back-to-back picks for @ATLUTD! Meet Gordon Wild. #SuperDrafthttps://t.co/xUymQvzgk8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2018
Whether the SuperDraft picks contribute straight to the starting XI, first team depth, or in the USL with Atlanta United 2, ATL fans can be excited about the attacking firepower added to the 5-Stripes in Philadelphia on Friday.
