Nielsen, a centerback, struggled with a shin injury for most of the preseason.

A native of Denmark, Nielsen played two seasons at Michigan State, where he was named an all-conference performer.

“Patrick joins us following a successful college career, and we are excited to see him grow at the professional level,” ATLUTD 2 manager Stephen Glass said in a statement provided by the team. “We will push him to emulate the successes of fellow center backs that have recently come through Atlanta United 2 and featured for the first team.”

Other centerbacks who have played for Atlanta United 2 and Atlanta United include Miles Robinson, George Campbell and Laurence Wyke.

Atlanta United 2 plays in the USL, which will play a 16-game season, starting July 11. Atlanta United was placed in a group that includes Charleston, Miami and Tampa Bay. Each team will play others in its group four times. The remaining games will be played against teams from other groups. The league schedule will be announced at a later date.

Atlanta United 2 roster

Amir Bashti, M

Jackson Conway, F

Amadou Macky Diop, M

Abdoulaye Diop, M

Phillip Goodrum, F

Jack Gurr, F

Modou Jadama, D

Lamin Jawneh, F

Bradley Kamden Fewo, D

Ben Lundgaard, GK

Patrick Nielsen, CB

Baboucarr Njie, M

Gabriel Rosario, GK

Daniel Steedman, M