Atlanta United President Darren Eales said Tuesday that the team is unlikely to use its third and last Designated Player spot on a defender.

A report on MLSsoccer.com earlier this week had Atlanta United targeting a defender with its final DP slot. The first two DPs signed by the team are Argentinian forward Hector Villalba and Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron.

The team has signed five defenders: Mikey Ambrose, Greg Garza, Mark Bloom, Zach Loyd and Michael Parkhurst.

“We have some irons in the fire,” Eales said. “We have a DP slot available and we will be looking to fill that, but we won’t be focusing on a defender.”

Atlanta United officials are in Carson, Calif. this week for the combine and Friday’s SuperDraft. The team holds the Nos. 2 and 8 picks in the first round.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (right) reacts with her teammate, guard Rhyne Howard, after a basket during the second half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta. 
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)