One Club, One Vision: A Joint Training Day at CHOA Training Ground
Thursday was no ordinary day at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Fields 1 and 2 buzzed with energy as Atlanta United and Atlanta United 2 trained side-by-side in a rare joint session. The morning was a blend of experience and development, with veterans mentoring Academy standouts, and coaches from both squads building cohesion across the organization.
Players like Cooper Sanchez, Luke Brennan, and Cayman Togashi—who’ve bounced between ATL UTD 2 and First Team—joined drills alongside fresh Academy talent like U-16 keeper James Donaldson, who trained with the First Team goalkeepers for set-piece scenarios.
Head coach Ronny Deila emphasized the importance of such integration:
“It just should be a short way from the second team to the first team, so they feel connected to it.”
🇨🇴🇪🇸 Meet the Newcomers: Steven Alzate and Juan Berrocal
For the first time since their summer arrivals, Steven Alzate and Juan Berrocal addressed the media, sharing insight into their transitions to MLS and life in Atlanta.
Alzate, born in London to Colombian parents, spoke about how his multicultural background influences his playing style:
“Growing up in a Colombian household, but being raised in London, you learn both styles. I’d like to think I bring both the English and Colombian side to the game.”
The midfielder, who previously played under Deila at Standard Liège, also highlighted his versatility:
“I’ve come to do the dirty work, the creative side—I’ve come to do everything.”
Alzate ranks in the 96th percentile for successful take-ons and 95th percentile for tackles among midfielders in comparable leagues.
Meanwhile, Spanish center back Juan Berrocal expressed excitement about his first experience outside Spain:
“The project, the staff, the coaches, the city, the country—I wanted a new challenge in my career, and I’m very happy.”
Though neither has started a match yet, both players made their debuts off the bench and are building match fitness after arriving mid-offseason from Europe.
More Than a Practice
The atmosphere Thursday reflected a strong club culture: Homegrowns like Dominik Chong Qui, Will Reilly, and Santiago Pita shared the pitch with internationals like Bartosz Slisz and Miguel Almirón, showing the depth of the roster and future pipeline.
“Seeing all of those players and more out on the pitch together was insightful to say the least.”
What This Means
Alzate and Berrocal are now fully integrated, just in time for Atlanta United’s key home match against Toronto FC on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Their fresh legs and hunger could be game-changing as Atlanta pushes for playoff positioning. And for ATL UTD 2 players training alongside them, it was a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Your Turn: What are your thoughts on Alzate and Berrocal’s potential? Share your reactions with @atlantasoccernews and use #ATLUTD to join the discussion!
