This is the most exciting time of year for the NCAA soccer season, so this month is going to focus on Atlanta United alumni making a wave at the college level. And there are many, with end-of-season honors and tournaments adding up. Here’s the latest:
ATL UTD Duo excelling with Top-ranked Clemson
The Clemson Tigers were one of the biggest turnaround stories of the season in the NCAA, returning back to their place near the top of the pile in all of college athletics. And that’s thanks in no small part to a pair of Atlanta United Academy graduates, midfielder Charlie Asensio and James Brighton. Brighton in particular was decisive in the ACC Tournament scoring against #2 Virginia and earning himself a place on the ACC All-Tournament Team. Stay tuned for updates on their run in the national tournament.
Other End-of-Season Awards
But they are certainly not the only Atlanta United Academy graduates the team will be cheering for in the NCAA tournament. Fellow ACC striker Machop Chol scored for Wake Forest in the NCAA Tournament after another solid season that landed him on the All-ACC Third Team. Atlanta United alum Bryce Washington also scored in the NCAA Tournament, playing for Pitt, while Liam Butts’ phenomenal play with Penn State this year landed him on the All-Big Ten First Team. Aldair Cortes locked down the midfield for Georgia Southern all season long to earn himself a place on the All-Sun Belt Conference First Team. And Dylan Gaither, a freshman who played some with ATL UTD 2 last season, made a name for himself at Mercer to earn a place on the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team.
All-South Region Team
Finally, some recognition right here at home for two players still in Atlanta United’s Academy. Will Reilly and Kobey stoup were both selected by United Soccer Coaches for the All-South Region Team for 2019. The U-19 duo are among the 51 boys players recognized in All-American and All-Region teams across the country.
Academy season rolls on
Of course the Atlanta United Academy is still in swing as well, with three sets of matches. They kicked off the month hosting the newcomers at the senior level, Inter Miami, at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta. They came out with two wins out of three, with the U-17 and U-19 teams combining for eight goals. They then traveled to Texas to face FC Dallas, and to North Carolina to face a strong North Carolina FC Academy, headlined by goals in back to back matches at the U-19 level for newly-signed Homegrown George Campbell.
Generation adidas comes to Atlanta
Last but not least, looking ahead and one of the premier youth soccer tournaments is coming to Atlanta. Generation adidas puts the best of the best in every age group against each other, with everyone competing for one of the most coveted trophies in youth soccer. The U-12 Division will be holding its leg in Atlanta the weekend after Thanksgiving. Be sure to stay tuned to all of the Atlanta United Academy channels for the latest results.
