Atlanta United 2 signed American defender Matthew Edwards on Dec. 22, 2023. Edwards joined ATL UTD 2 after spending three seasons at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. On June 17, Edwards signed a Homegrown deal with Atlanta United.
During his junior season, Edwards recorded appearances in 18 matches, including 16 starts, and notched two assists for a backline that registered eight clean sheets and made a run to the ACC Tournament Final and NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. During the 2022 season, Edwards was one of five Tar Heels to appear in all 19 contests and recorded an assist. During his freshman year, he appeared and started in four matches and added an assist in the season opener against Bucknell.
Prior to his time with the Tar Heels, Edwards played for Atlanta United’s Academy, joining in 2019 at the U-17 level. The Apex, North Carolina native served as captain of the U-19 side and got his first taste of professional soccer after making eight appearances for ATL UTD 2 during the 2020 USL Championship season.
