Atlanta United promotes Bocanegra

ajc.com

Atlanta United Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra received a contract extension and promotion, according to a statement from the team on Monday.

Bocanegra’s new contract runs until March 2022. His new title will be technical director and vice president.

Atlanta United (15-9-8) has clinched a playoff berth in its inaugural season with two regular season games remaining. The team will play at New York Red Bulls on Sunday and will host Toronto on Oct. 22. The Five Stripes have scored the second-most goals (68)  in the league and have the second-highest goal difference (plus-30).

“Carlos’ proven leadership and expertise has been instrumental in building our club’s foundation,” team President Darren Eales was quoted as part of statement from the team. “He has built an elite-level, highly competitive roster from scratch and has forged seamless relationships with our players, ‘Tata’ Martino and (Director of Soccer Operations) Paul McDonough.

Bocanegra’s hiring was announced in March 2015 after a stellar playing career that included more than 100 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team built after standing out for clubs in the U.S., England, Scotland, Spain and France.

Bocanegra began at Atlanta United by signing Alex Tambakis, Junior Burgos (since released), Kenwyne Jones, Chris McCann and Hector Villalba as a young Designated Player.

Working with manager Gerardo Martino, the team signed Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez, two more Designated Players, traded for Michael Parkhurst, signed free agents Jeff Larentowicz and Jacob Peterson, and drafted Miles Robinson and Julian Gressel, who is a strong candidate for rookie of the year.