Atlanta United is turning to its MLS NEXT Pro depth ahead of Saturday’s showdown with New York City FC.
The 5-Stripes announced Friday that defenders Daniel Chica and Matthew Senanou and midfielder Cameron Dunbar have been signed to Short-Term Agreements for Saturday’s match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
For all three players, it will be their first Short-Term Agreement of the 2026 season.
The moves give Atlanta additional options as the club navigates the latest stretch of the MLS season, while also rewarding three players who have played important roles for ATL UTD 2.
Dunbar Brings a Playmaking Resume
Of the three call-ups, Cameron Dunbar enters the weekend with perhaps the biggest statistical spotlight.
The 23-year-old winger was recently named MLS NEXT Pro Playmaker of the Year after leading the league with 13 assists while adding nine goals in 28 appearances.
Dunbar joined ATL UTD 2 ahead of the 2026 season following three seasons with USL Championship side Orange County SC. The former LA Galaxy Academy product has also made 20 combined MLS appearances with the Galaxy and Minnesota United.
His ability to create chances could give Atlanta another attacking option against NYCFC.
Chica and Senanou Strengthen the Back Line
Daniel Chica has been one of ATL UTD 2’s key contributors this season, making 26 appearances while scoring four goals and adding an assist.
The 24-year-old defender joined ATL UTD 2 ahead of the 2026 campaign after previous stops with Loudoun United FC, Lexington SC and Carolina Core FC. He also spent two seasons playing collegiately at George Mason University.
Chica’s season has come as ATL UTD 2 made club history, finishing third in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference regular-season standings and qualifying for the postseason for the first time.
Senanou has also been a consistent presence for ATL UTD 2.
The 23-year-old defender has appeared in 27 matches this season, recording one goal and one assist. He joined Atlanta ahead of the 2026 season after playing for Colorado Rapids 2 in 2025.
Senanou was selected sixth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by Colorado and became Xavier University’s highest-ever selection. During his time with the Musketeers, he helped the program win its first BIG EAST Championship.
Before transferring to Xavier, Senanou began his college career at North Carolina and reached the NCAA Tournament in both seasons with the Tar Heels.
What the Short-Term Agreements Mean
Under the 2026 MLS roster rules, clubs can sign eligible players from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate to Short-Term Agreements for up to four days at a time, with a maximum of four agreements — or 16 total days — per player during the league season.
An individual player can be included on up to four MLS league-season match rosters but can appear in no more than two MLS league-season matches. Players can appear in any number of non-league games during the terms of their Short-Term Agreements.
That makes Saturday’s match particularly interesting for Atlanta’s three additions.
The agreements put Chica, Dunbar and Senanou in position to be available for the 5-Stripes against NYCFC, while also giving Atlanta a chance to tap into a second team that has already produced a historic season of its own.
Player Snapshot
Daniel Chica — Defender, No. 44
24 years old | Leesburg, Virginia
2026 ATL UTD 2: 26 appearances, 4 goals, 1 assist
Cameron Dunbar — Midfielder, No. 70
23 years old | Carson, California
2026 ATL UTD 2: 28 appearances, 9 goals, 13 assists
Matthew Senanou — Defender, No. 82
23 years old | Plainfield, Illinois
2026 ATL UTD 2: 27 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist
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LEARN MORE →What This Means for Atlanta United
Atlanta United now has three more MLS NEXT Pro players available to potentially contribute against New York City FC.
Dunbar brings a league-leading playmaking profile, while Chica and Senanou add defensive depth. With ATL UTD 2 already making history this season, Saturday provides another opportunity for that team’s strongest performers to make an impact at the MLS level.
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Now the question is whether any of the three can turn the Short-Term Agreement into meaningful minutes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
What do you think — should Atlanta United give Dunbar, Chica or Senanou a look against NYCFC? Let us know in the comments and share this story with another 5-Stripes fan.
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.