Atlanta United 2 has officially begun shaping its 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, and the club is starting with a statement about depth, experience, and player development.
On Wednesday, the club announced the signings of forward Liam Butts, defender Daniel Chica, and winger Cameron Dunbar, each on one-year contracts with club options for 2027. The trio represents a blend of local roots, professional consistency, and MLS-level experience — all key ingredients for a second team focused on competitiveness and progression within Atlanta United’s player pathway.
For Atlanta United fans, youth soccer families, and followers of the club’s development system, these moves offer an early glimpse into how ATL UTD 2 plans to build on its strongest MLS NEXT Pro season to date.
A Clear Vision Under Jose Silva
Head coach Jose Silva, who was officially promoted after a successful interim run in 2025, made it clear that these signings align with the club’s evolving identity.
“All three players will add quality and depth to our roster,” Silva said. “We’re happy to bring Liam back to the organization after previously spending time in our Academy… Daniel was one of the best center backs in NEXT Pro last year… Cameron brings MLS experience to our young team.”
Silva’s comments highlight ATL UTD 2’s dual mission: compete to win matches while preparing players for higher levels, including potential first-team opportunities.
Liam Butts: A Georgia Native Comes Full Circle
Among the three signings, Liam Butts stands out as a local success story.
Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Butts is a former Atlanta United Academy player who returns to the organization after a breakout season with New England Revolution II. In 2025, the 24-year-old striker:
- Scored 13 goals in 24 matches
- Ranked tied for sixth in MLS NEXT Pro goal scoring
- Recorded 16 goal contributions (13 goals, 3 assists) in just over 1,500 minutes
Standing at 6-foot-2, Butts brings size, physicality, and proven finishing ability. His consistency at the NEXT Pro level makes him an immediate attacking threat and a reliable option for a team looking to sustain pressure in the final third.
Butts also represents Guyana internationally, earning two senior national team caps, adding another layer of experience to his profile.
For Georgia soccer fans, his return underscores Atlanta United’s commitment to giving local talent a platform to grow professionally — and to come back stronger after time elsewhere.
Daniel Chica: Defensive Stability with Pro Experience
Defender Daniel Chica arrives in Atlanta after two seasons with Carolina Core FC, where he established himself as one of MLS NEXT Pro’s more reliable center backs.
The 23-year-old Leesburg, Virginia native already brings:
- Three years of professional experience
- Over 3,000 minutes played across all competitions in 2025
- A key role in Carolina Core’s MLS NEXT Pro playoff run
Chica’s career path includes stops at Loudoun United FC, Lexington SC, and Carolina Core, giving him exposure to multiple systems and competitive environments.
At 6-foot-2, Chica adds aerial presence, physical defending, and composure on the ball — qualities ATL UTD 2 will rely on as it continues to face some of the league’s most attack-minded sides.
Cameron Dunbar: MLS Pedigree on the Wing
Perhaps the most experienced signing in terms of top-flight exposure is Cameron Dunbar.
A former LA Galaxy academy product, Dunbar brings:
- 20 combined MLS appearances with LA Galaxy and Minnesota United
- Three seasons in the USL Championship with Orange County SC
- 11 goal contributions across all competitions at the USL level
At just 23 years old, Dunbar has already navigated multiple professional environments. His profile as a true winger gives ATL UTD 2 a player capable of stretching defenses, creating one-on-one opportunities, and adding speed in wide areas.
Silva emphasized Dunbar’s ability to “break defensive lines,” a valuable trait for a team looking to play proactively and generate chances from open play.
What This Means for Atlanta United 2 in 2026
These signings signal a balanced roster-building approach:
- Local connection (Butts)
- NEXT Pro consistency (Chica)
- Top-level experience (Dunbar)
As of Dec. 17, 2025, ATL UTD 2’s roster includes:
- Goalkeepers: James Donaldson, Jonathan Ransom
- Defenders: Daniel Chica, Toto Majub, Kaiden Moore
- Midfielders: Cameron Dunbar, Ignacio Suarez-Couri, Moises Tablante
- Forwards: Liam Butts, Arif Kovac, Patrick Weah
With more additions expected, these early signings set a foundation for another competitive campaign — one that supports Atlanta United’s broader development pipeline while aiming for postseason success.
Why Fans Should Be Paying Attention
MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow in importance, and Atlanta United 2 has become a legitimate proving ground for players on the cusp of MLS readiness.
For Atlanta United supporters, these moves matter because:
- Strong second teams create first-team depth
- Development success supports long-term club stability
- Local players like Butts reinforce the club’s connection to Georgia soccer
For youth players and families, this roster shows that Atlanta United remains invested in pathways, patience, and performance.
Call to Action
Which of these signings excites you the most heading into 2026?
Do you see Liam Butts pushing for first-team minutes down the road?
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Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.