Atlanta United 2 today announced that it has signed midfielder Cooper Sanchez to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2025. Sanchez will become Atlanta United’s 20th Homegrown player effective Jan. 1, 2026, with team options for 2027 and 2028. The former Academy standout became the youngest player in club history to appear for ATL UTD 2 (15 years, 27 days) when he checked in as a substitute in a 2-0 victory over Chicago Fire II.
“We are excited to have Cooper join our Second Team after showcasing his development and potential with our Academy squads,” Director of Methodology Javier Pérez said. “He has proven his versatility in the midfield and was a key piece in the U-16's MLS NEXT Cup Championship win last year. Cooper’s signing further displays the strong development pathway through our club and we look forward to his continued growth on and off the pitch.”
Sanchez, 16, joined Atlanta United’s Academy in 2018 and played with the U-16s last season. The midfielder was a part of the 2023 U-16 side that went 22-1-1 in the Regular Season and took home the MLS NEXT Cup, where he scored in a 3-1 victory over Strikers FC in the title match. Sanchez has made two professional appearances with Atlanta United 2, having come on as a substitute twice last season, as well as appearing in Atlanta United’s 2024 preseason match against Birmingham Legion FC. Sanchez is eligible to represent the United States at the international level and most recently made his debut with the United States U-16 squad in May for matches against Uruguay and Argentina.
Player Profile
Name: Cooper Sanchez
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: March 26, 2008 (16)
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington
Citizenship: United States
Transaction: Atlanta United 2 signs Cooper Sanchez through the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. Sanchez will become a Homegrown player on Jan. 1, 2026, with team options for 2027 and 2028.
Atlanta United 2 Roster (As of July 2, 2024):
Goalkeeper (1): John Berner
Defenders (3): Ethan Dudley, Daniel Russo, Ramzi Qawasmy
Midfielders (7): Javier Armas, Alan Carleton, Erik Centeno^, Matías Gallardo, Noble Okello, Cooper Sanchez, Jacob Williams
Forwards (2): Ashton Gordon, Karim Tmimi
* On season-ending injury list
^ On loan from Atlanta United through 2024 season
