ATLANTA (April 15, 2025) — Atlanta United 2 today announced the signing of Academy midfielder Ignacio Suarez through the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, with a club option for 2027. The Johns Creek-native signs from the Atlanta United Academy.
Suarez is the third Atlanta United Academy player to sign with ATL UTD 2 for the 2025 season, along with Dominik Chong Qui and Cooper Sanchez.
“We’re excited for Ignacio to take the next step in his player development path with Atlanta United 2,” said Atlanta United Director of Methodology Javier Perez. “His signing signifies a new era in our player development path. Similar to other signings this season, we want to look at prospects who can make an impact from an early age. Our second team exposes them in the best environment possible so they can get familiar with the competitive and professional side of the game. This next challenge for Ignacio will provide that opportunity and we’re confident that he’ll take his development to the next level.”
Suarez, 16, joined the Academy from Concorde Fire in August 2020 and played on the U-12 team. He played a key role on the Academy’s U-15s last season, leading the team to the semifinals of the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. He finished the 2023-24 season with 23 goals and 12 assists.
Suarez is currently with the U-16s at the 2025 Generation adidas Cup, held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The 2025 tournament continues through April 20 and features 80 teams, representing 14 different countries, and four continents, including international powerhouses FC Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Palmeiras.
Suarez’s U-16 side finished third in the Generation adidas Cup Group Stage, including a 2-1 win against Minnesota United FC. The U-16s will continue this week in the Generation adidas Cup Premier Bracket to face Club América tomorrow at 9 a.m. ET. The U-18s will compete in the Championship Bracket after finishing first in Group G, defeating Santos Laguna 2-1, and Sporting Kansas City 1-0. They face Inter Milan tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. ET. Twenty-eight Generation adidas games, including championship matches in both age groups, will stream live on MLS’ YouTube page.
Player Profile
Name: Ignacio “Iggy” Suarez
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: April 3, 2009 (16)
Birthplace: Johns Creek, Georgia
Citizenship: United States, Venezuela
Transaction: Atlanta United 2 signs Ignacio Suarez through the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, with a club option for 2027.
Atlanta United 2 Roster (as of April 15, 2025):
Defenders (5): Nyk Sessock, Ronan Wynne, Toto Majub, Salvatore Mazzaferro, Kaiden Moore
Midfielders (6): Javier Armas, Santiago Pita, Cooper Sanchez, Ignacio Suarez, Moises Tablante, Adyn Torres^
Forwards (4): Ryan Carmichael, Arif Kovac, Rodrigo Neri, Patrick Weah
^Season-long loan
