Luiz Fernando signed with Atlanta United and will join the first team in a reserve roster slot, the MLS franchise announced Wednesday.
Fernando, a 22-year-old native of Brazil, has 21 appearances with one goal for Atlanta United 2 in the USL this season.
“When we brought Luiz in, we saw someone who fit our player profile and hoped that in our system, he could develop into a first-team player,” Vice President Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement provided by the team. “Over the last year, he’s put in that work and has earned an MLS contract. He is a great example of the type of professional we strive to have at this club, as he took full advantage of his opportunity with ATLUTD2 and has shown the work ethic to continuously improve all facets of his game.”
Before Atlanta United 2, Fernando played three seasons with Richmond, where he scored six goals in 78 appearances.
Fernando was one of several players not typically associated with the first team who were on the field during pregame warmups with Atlanta United and in the locker room after the Campeones Cup.
Manager Frank de Boer implied Friday that Atlanta United wanted Fernando there for the Campeones Cup to inspire him.
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