Atlanta United 2 today announced the signing of defender Daniel Russo from Notre Dame. The defender played the past four seasons with the Fighting Irish. Russo is signed through the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season pending league and federation approval.
The Jackson, N.J. native played his prep career at Jackson Memorial and was a member of the New York Red Bulls Academy before heading to South Bend. In his first season at Notre Dame, Russo made 13 appearances, including five starts, and had one goal and one assist. He continued to progress the following season, playing in 24 matches and tallying three goals and four assists.
His best scoring output of his collegiate career came in his junior year in 2022. He led the Irish in points (16) and goals scored (6) while playing in all 17 matches and tallied his first hattrick of his career in a comeback win against Michigan. In his final season at Notre Dame, Russo played a career-high 1,444 minutes and found the back of the net four times. Notre Dame advanced to the College Cup Final before falling 2-1 to Clemson, while Russo started every match of the team’s NCAA Tournament run. He finished his Notre Dame career with 14 goals and 11 assists.
Player Profile
Name: Daniel Russo
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Birthdate: March 24, 2002 (21)
Birthplace: Jackson, N.J.
Citizenship: United States
Transaction: Atlanta United 2 signs Daniel Russo for the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Atlanta United 2 Roster (as of Dec. 22, 2023)
Goalkeeper (1): John Berner
Defender (2): Matthew Edwards, Daniel Russo
Midfielders (8): Luke Brennan, Alan Carleton, Matías Gallardo, Nick Firmino, Noble Okello, Adyn Torres*, Jonantan Villal, Jacob Williams
Forwards (1): Karim Tmimi
* Becomes a First Team deal effective Jan. 1, 2024
