Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino on Wednesday said “we are good” as the MLS transfer window is set to close at 11:59 p.m.
The team, in fifth in the Eastern Conference with 35 points, traded a 2019 pick in the SuperDraft to D.C. United for centerback Bobby Boswell on Tuesday. Boswell has made 365 appearances in MLS and is expected to add depth behind Michael Parkhurst and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.
“He’s a really experienced player,” Martino said. “A good central defender. He’s been in the league a long time. He knows the league very well. If he has to play, he will be able to step in and play well.”
Martino said that Boswell can step in play either alongside either Parkhurst or Pirez, or with them should the team go with three in the back for specific situations late in games.
“Maybe there’s a game with the last set piece, last corner, to be able to bring on a player who is taller and can see out the game is good,” Martino said.
Boswell, 34, is 6-foot-2. Pirez is 6-1 and Parkhurst is 5-11.
Atlanta United will next play at D.C. United on Aug. 23, followed by another game at Philadelphia on Aug. 26.
The Five Stripes will open Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Dallas on Sept. 10. It is the first in a stretch of eight games in 24 days.
Parkhurst and Pirez have started all 22 league games this season. Asking them to start each game during the tough home stretch may be too much to ask.
Pirez said he prefers to play every 3-4 days, but his physical style of play can take its toll.
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