ATLANTA, GEORGIA—The dream of Atlanta United 2 FC for a better 2022 United Soccer League (USL) Championship season got a much-needed boost.
United 2 FC on March 16 announced the signing of midfielder Emenike Nwogu, pending league and federation approval.
Midfielder Erik Centeno joins United 2 FC on a season-long loan from Atlanta United’s First Team.
Centeno, 19, was a Generation Adidas selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft after a stellar freshman season for the University of the Pacific. The talented midfielder scored six goals and added five assists on his way to First Team All-West Coast Conference and WCC Freshman of the Year honors.
Nwogu joins Atlanta from the Superstar Football Academy in Nigeria. The 18-year-old has previously spent time in the Nigeria U-17 National Team Camp. Nwogu becomes the second Nigerian to join ATL UTD 2 this offseason, following the signing of Nelson Orji.
The entry of the two is a welcome development as the United 2 FC (0-1-0, 0 points) hopes to get its first win on its 2022 home opener on Wednesday, Mar. 16 against New York Red Bulls II at Fifth Third Bank Stadium (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET).
United 2 FC is hoping to have a great USL Championship campaign this year since it is their last appearance in the league.
According to reports, United 2 FC will transfer to the Major League Soccer NEXT Pro in 2023.
The new league’s goal is to create an “integrated player pathway from MLS NEXT through to MLS first teams” by serving as a bridge from the Academies into the professional system.
The league is scheduled to debut in March 2022.
