ATLANTA, GEORGIA—Now that their offense is already in sync, Atlanta United has found a player that will boost their defense. On June 21, United announced they had signed Mexican goalkeeper Raúl Gudiño through the end of the 2022 season with an option to extend. Gudino will occupy an international roster spot pending receiving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa and will be available for selection when the MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 7.
The signing of Gudino is intended to plug the hole in the absence of veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan who is out with an injury. Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra are happy with the signing of Gudino since his experience is a huge boost to the team. “Raúl was a free agent that was well-sought after, and we’re pleased to be able to secure his services for Atlanta United,” Bocanegra said. “He’s a goalkeeper with experience in big environments, and we’re looking forward to integrating him into the group,” Bocanegra added.
The 26-year-old has made a combined 164 professional appearances and recorded 41 clean sheets in his career for Chivas Guadalajara, APOEL FC, CF União Madeira, and FC Porto B. He has also made five appearances for the Mexican National Team, most recently in October 2019. Gudiño was out of contract and most recently played with Chivas Guadalajara.
Gudiño has also made five appearances for the Mexican National Team, making his debut in a friendly against Costa Rica on Oct. 12, 2018, as a substitute in a 3-2 victory for Mexico. Gudiño represented Mexico at the U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels. He was the starting goalkeeper for Mexico’s U-17 team that won the 2013 Concacaf U-17 Championship, where he was awarded the Golden Glove of the tournament, and the Mexico squad that finished as the runner-up at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Gudiño was named Concacaf Youth Goalkeeper of the Year for his play in both tournaments in 2013. He was part of Mexico’s U-20 squad at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup and started one match.
