Atlanta United has secured a season-long loan agreement for fullback Greg Garza.
The club announced the deal on Friday.
Garza, native of Grapevine, Texas, has been with Tijuana in Mexico’s first division since 2012.
Garza has been capped by the U.S. men’s national team nine times and more than 80 for Tijuana.
“Greg has represented the United States on several occasions and we’re thrilled to be able to add a player of his quality,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said in a statement from the team. “In addition to his caps at the international level, Greg has experienced top-level competition in Liga MX. To continue to attract players with his international background is a great sign for our club.”
He is the team’s fifth defender and 20th player signed as the club build its roster ahead of the 2017 inaugural season.
Garza joins goalkeepers Alex Tambakis and Alec Kann, defenders Mikey Ambrose, Michael Parkhurst, Zach Loyd and Mark Bloom, midfielders Harrison Heath, Hector Villalba, Miguel Almiron, Jeff Larentowicz, Chris McCann, Kevin Kratz, Andrew Carleton and Chris Goslin, and forwards Kenwyne Jones, Jacob Peterson , Jeffrey Otoo, Brandon Vazquez and Romario Williams.
Garza recently expressed a desire to play in MLS. Columbus held his rights, but Atlanta United was able to secure them in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2018 MLS draft.
“Greg is a quality left back who’s profile fits in nicely with our style of play,” technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement from the team. “He has the ability to get up-and-down the line to contribute to both sides of the ball, and his experience in Mexico, along with the U.S. National Team, brings another quality dimension to our team.”
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Greg Garza
Position: Defender
Height: 5-8
Age: 25
From: Grapevine, Texas
How acquired: Loan agreement.
Has made more than 60 appearances for Tijuana since 2012…Made three appearances for the U.S. under-20 national team. … Nine appearances for the U.S. men’s national team since 2014.
