Matthew Lawrey has joined Atlanta United’s coaching staff as an assistant coach, the team announced today. Rob Valentino is the interim head coach. Prior to moving into an on-field position as an individual development coach, Lawrey served as the Academy Director from June 2021 until April 2024.
Lawrey managed soccer operations for all Academy teams as well as Atlanta United 2 in his capacity as Academy Director. He became the head coach of the U-12s when he first joined the Academy in July 2016 and was then promoted to the U-15s (2017), U-19s (2020), and Academy Manager since January 2019. He also served as an ATL UTD 2 temporary assistant coach for the 2020 USL season.
After completing his college career at the University of Mary Washington (2006–10), Lawrey joined the men’s soccer team as an assistant coach in 2011–2012. In addition, Lawrey coached young players at Virginia’s Stafford Soccer Club and Prince William Soccer Inc. In 2013, he won the Double-Goal National Coach of the Year award from the Positive Coaching Alliance. Lawrey is licensed under EFCL and USSF A. On Saturday, June 29, Atlanta United (5-8-6, 21 points) will play its next game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Toronto FC (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass, 92.9 The Game, La Mejor). If you have an MLS Season Pass membership, you can watch every Atlanta United game via the Apple TV app.
