Atlanta ties to MLS

Atlanta United

Atlanta ties to MLS

Even before it was granted a franchise, Atlanta had a long history with Major League Soccer, feeding talent to clubs dating back to 1998.

Ricardo Clark has played in more than 200 MLS games in 10 seasons - the last seven at Houston. Clark, from Jonesboro, played at St. Pius High School and was a member of the 2010 U.S. World Cup soccer team that played in South Africa. Clark also has played in Europe with Eintracht Frankfurt of the German Bundesliga as well as Stabekk of Norway’s Tippeligaen.

Sean Johnson, of Snellville, played at Brookwood - where he also lettered in basketball. A starter for the Fire since 2010, Johnson has drawn the attention of the U.S. national team playing in a friendly matchup against Mexico in April.

Jack McInerney, of Alpharetta, was an MLS All-Star with Philadelphia last season. McInerney is entering his fourth season in MLS. He led the team with 12 goals in 2013 and was traded to Montreal April 4. He was a member of the U.S. national team at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Michael Nwiloh, of Conyers, was a anchor on Georgia State's soccer team starting in 60 games over the last three years. Nwiloh was drafted by Chivas USA in the fourth round of the 2014 MLS Super Draft.

Joe Bendik, of Kennesaw, played at Harrison High School and Clemson. A starter last season in Toronto, Bendik had played two seasons as a pro in Norway.

Joe Nasco appeared in 23 games over two seasons for the Atlanta Silverbacks before signing with Colorado this season.

Alex Caskey, of Dunwoody, played in 30 games over two seasons with the Seattle Sounders, before being traded to D.C. United.

Mark Bloom, of Marietta, joined Toronto in 2013 after nearly three seasons in the minor leagues, including a stint with the Atlanta Silverbacks. He played at Lassiter and Berry College.

Walker Zimmerman, of Lawrenceville, played at Brookwood. Zimmerman (25) turned pro after two seasons at Furman and played in seven games as a rookie for Dallas.

Steven Kinney, of Norcross, played in 13 games as a rookie in 2010 before suffering an Achilles injury. He has seen limited action in his recovery.

Clint Mathis, of Conyers, had a long career as a player in the MLS before turning coach. He played in more than 250 games between 1998 and 2010 with five clubs. He was a member of the U.S. team (12 goals, 46 appearances) during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea.

Josh Wolff, of Stone Mountain, played in more than 260 MLS games from 1998 to 2012. Wolff played in 14 seasons in MLS with Chicago, KC and D.C.; and three years with 1860 Munich of the German Bundesliga. The former Parkview scorer was a member of the 2002 and 2005 U.S. World Cup teams, scoring 9 goals in 52 appearances.

1/12

Ricardo Clark has played in more than 200 MLS games in 10 seasons - the last seven at Houston. Clark, from Jonesboro, played at St. Pius High School and was a member of the 2010 U.S. World Cup soccer team that played in South Africa. Clark also has played in Europe with Eintracht Frankfurt of the German Bundesliga as well as Stabekk of Norway’s Tippeligaen.

Today's Gallery Headlines

PHOTOS: Tyler Reddick wins again at Autotrader 400

Allyson Phillips (center), Laken Riley’s mother, prays at UGA’s Tate Plaza on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, during a memorial service for her daughter. Riley was attacked on Feb. 22, 2024 while running in Oconee Forest Park on the UGA campus and killed. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

PHOTOS: Hundreds honor Laken Riley with 5K, memorial on UGA campus

Region 5AA Championship : Holy Innocents vs. KIPP Atlanta

PHOTOS: Holy Innocents’ wins Region 5AA championship in basketball

aajc 021926 state vs. georgia southern hoops

Alerts

PHOTOS: Tyler Reddick wins again at Autotrader 400

PHOTOS: Hundreds honor Laken Riley with 5K, memorial on UGA campus

PHOTOS: Holy Innocents’ wins Region 5AA championship in basketball

PHOTOS: Georgia State gets by Georgia Southern